CN1130663C

CN1130663C - Image supply appratus, image output apparatus control apparatus therefor, andimage forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN1130663C
Application number: CN93102007A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 高桥一义; 渡边隆; 谷中俊之; 田名纲英之
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 1992-02-26
Filing date: 1993-02-26
Publication date: 2003-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2013-02-26
Also published as: US20030016379A1; ATE199110T1; US6486966B1; DE69326851T2; US6359695B1; EP0558008A1; DE69332963D1; EP0558008B1; EP0944023B1; US6490053B1; CN1299239C; EP0837420A1; ATE186138T1; EP0838779B1; DE69332963T2; DE69326851D1; EP0837420B1; ATE239950T1; DE69333030T2; ATE242516T1

Abstract

An image output apparatus according to the present invention is able to additionally output another image data item to a desired position to which subject image data is outputted and able to repeatedly output the same image or repeatedly output the image while rotating the image. A setting unit 716 shown in figure 38 sets the image repetition portion, the number of the repetitions and the rotation of the image. An image read by a reader 701 is stored into a memory 711, and a reading counter 714 changes the reading address of the memory 711 in accordance with set information. Hence, a desired repeated image or the rotated image is outputted to a printer 915.

Description

The equipment and the method that are used for output image and its product of output

The present invention relates to be used to provide with the Device for supplying image that writes down relevant pictorial data, receive the pictorial data that provides to export a color image to the image autput device of recording medium and comprise the image generating system of aforementioned means.More specifically, the present invention relates to be used for the print system of print image on such as the recording medium of cloth.In addition, the present invention relates to image autput device, it has visual repeat function, is used for the identical image of duplicate record.

When 1 when image of output, wish sometimes in the following manner target image to be recorded on the recording medium, promptly another pictorial data superposition on target image (first pictorial data) as the recording operation theme.For example print the field at cloth, image is to be imprinted on the cloth, and wright or deviser's sign is imprinted on the end of cloth repeatedly.

Some traditional image autput device (as printer) has such structure, and wherein the pictorial data that transmits from external unit (as principal computer) is exported immediately or temporarily existed the set buffer storage before it is used as image output.Why image autput device with buffer storage adopts buffer storage, is to coordinate in order to set up between the visual output speed of the data transfer rate of principal computer and printer.In addition, have and to store one or the printing equipment of the image memory of several pages picture dot data, promptly, obtained widespread use, because the print data of representing with PostScript has been developed into picture dot data (bit image data) such as the page or leaf printer of laser beam.

Recently, carry out special image output sometimes, to realize geometric figure by repeatedly exporting specific basic image.As the large tracts of land image of forming by multiimage with previous printer prints, as wallpaper or cloth, this printer must be carried out the following step: obtain the relevant data that wherein are formed with the whole image of geometric figure by principal computer, and the data of vast capacity are passed to printer from principal computer.If printing equipment is not used in the buffer storage that receives pictorial data, then must keep corresponding between the print speed of the pictorial data transmission speed of principal computer and printing equipment: to the speed of the calculating of a large amount of pictorial data print speed faster than printing equipment with following control method; This calculating important affair is carried out earlier; The print speed of printer with adapt from the data rate of principal computer.

Can obtain having the image processing system of visual repeat function, identical image wherein capable of repeat printing.Be described as the visual repeat function that said apparatus is established referring now to Figure 55 and 56.Referring to Figure 55, label 761 expressions have the former figure of the image of the duplicate record wanted.In this example, the image of the mark " A " in the district 711 is formed repeatedly.Figure 56 A-56C has shown some examples, and the image in the district 711 of its Central Plains Figure 76 1 is printed repeatedly.Figure 56 A has shown a kind of like this state, and wherein the image in the district shown in Figure 55 711 is read and this image is printed in the district 712 of recording medium 771.After having printed district 712, printer does not drop, but reads the district 711 of former Figure 76 1 once more, in the district 713 that it is imprinted on recording medium 771, shown in Figure 56 B.After having printed district 713, printer does not continue to drop, but reads the district 711 of former Figure 76 1, in the district 714 that it is imprinted on recording medium 771, shown in Figure 56 C.The result of aforementioned operation by same graphic recording three times, has formed the image shown in Figure 56 C.By repeatedly reading the same area and on the diverse location of medium, printing, realized visual repeat function.

When such as the pictorial data superposition of mark in artwork data when writing down, what can think record is the pictorial data of superposition, this pictorial data be before superposition on former pictorial data.Yet predetermined image process-revise and the UCR transfer process as a shadow correction, the γ that carries out before record superposition data also can influence the pictorial data outside the former pictorial data.Therefore, can not resemble hope recorded image-data.For example, if pictorial data is a character image data, then possible clearly record.

If wish on recording medium, to repeat to stamp image substantially, simultaneously it is formed different shapes (this printing field at cloth is common), the position of then printing other pictorial data (sign) is subjected to the restriction of the repeat patterns of basic image.As a result, can't on the position of expectation, print sometimes such as other images that indicate.

If from principal computer a large amount of pictorial data are passed to printer, then transmitting data needs for a long time.Thereby principal computer must take long to and finish printing.Another problem is to obtain final output image for a long time.If a large amount of pictorial data exist in the buffer storage of printer, then the problem of Cun Zaiing is that buffer storage must have very high capacity.Produced by the external unit such as principal computer if go up the pictorial data that repeats for how much, then producing pictorial data will be for a long time.

In addition, traditional visual repeat function only simply repeats to print identical image.Thereby the picture pattern that repeats can't change.

One object of the present invention is to overcome foregoing problems.

Another object of the present invention is to make second kind of required image can be printed on the desired location of recording medium, has been printed on first pictorial data as the record main body on this medium.

Another object of the present invention is when the image process that is not subjected to first pictorial data influences, can print second pictorial data as required.

Therefore, the present invention relates to a Device for supplying image, be used to that the image autput device of recording picture provides pictorial data on recording medium, this Device for supplying image comprises: specified device, be used to specify second pictorial data of first pictorial data that is different from as the record main body, with second imagery data recording on the recording medium that writes down first pictorial data.

This specified device can be specified the pattern, size, record position of second pictorial data and any one in the record color.Second pictorial data is sign.

Comprise according to control device of the present invention, that be used for image autput device: the first control device of establishing for image autput device, it is recording picture on recording medium, and makes the record-header of image recording come recording picture according to first pictorial data that provides from above-mentioned Device for supplying image; Second control device, it receives the instruction about second pictorial data, and makes record-header according to receiving instruction record second pictorial data on the recording medium that records first image.

First control device is useful on the device that makes first pictorial data obtain image processing before it is transferred to record-header, and the second control device reception was subjected to first pictorial data of image processing and when adding second pictorial data according to this instruction first pictorial data was offered record-header.In addition, second control device has the device that makes first pictorial data become blank in the part of superposition second pictorial data.

Image autput device according to the present invention comprises: above-mentioned control device; The record-header that is used for recording picture on recording medium.

A plurality of record-headers can be set, to adapt to the recording agent of different colours.

But the record-header ink jet-print head, it does to print agent and eject prepared Chinese ink with prepared Chinese ink.In addition, ink jet-print head can have the parts that produce heat energy, and this heat energy makes prepared Chinese ink produce the boiling film and is used as the energy that sprays prepared Chinese ink.

Comprise Device for supplying image and image autput device according to visual formation of the present invention system.

This system is the print system of print image on cloth.

According to the present invention, Device for supplying image is useful on the device of specifying the pattern relevant with second pictorial data (as sign), size, record position, reaching color.On the other hand, the control device of image autput device has one second device, be used for receive specifying, and control is respectively from the record of first pictorial data of first control device, to control the record of first pictorial data.Promptly owing to be independent of first pictorial data ground control, second pictorial data, the operator can insert second pictorial data in desirable mode in desirable circulation, no matter and the repetitive cycling of first pictorial data and repetitive mode how.In addition, before first pictorial data is transferred to record-header, promptly after finishing desirable image processing, should make the designation area of inserting second pictorial data become blank immediately.Therefore, second pictorial data in the desired manner (as clearly) print off, be not subjected to simultaneously the influence of various conversion process.

Another object of the present invention provides image output method and the device that can effectively export the pictorial data that repeats for how much.

Another object of the present invention provides an image output method and device, and they can export a large amount of pictorial data with little memory capacity, and can reduce the pictorial data that external unit carried out that produces pictorial data by them and handle.

For achieving the above object, the pictorial data that image autput device of the present invention receives external unit to be provided is also exported this pictorial data, and this image autput device comprises: the storing apparatus that is used to store the pictorial data that external unit provides; Be used to specify the specified device of output format of the pictorial data of this storing apparatus storage; Be used for repeating to export the control device of the pictorial data of storing apparatus storage according to the specified device specified output format.

For achieving the above object, the pictorial data that image output method reception external unit according to the present invention provides is also exported this pictorial data, and this image output method comprises step: the pictorial data that receiving external unit provides is also stored this pictorial data; For the pictorial data of storage is specified an output format; Repeat to export the pictorial data of storage according to this output format.

The pictorial data that external unit (also claiming peripheral hardware) provides is existed in the storing apparatus, and the output format of the pictorial data in having storing apparatus can repeatedly be exported the pictorial data that exists in the storing apparatus according to this output format when designated.

Another object of the present invention provides an image processing system, and it can change (for example rotating) image with identical visual of visual repetition methods duplicate record the time.

For achieving the above object, image processing system according to the present invention has the visual repeat function that is included in the image in the designation area in the duplicate record of the precalculated position of recording medium, and this image autput device comprises: the image memory device that is used to store pictorial data; Generating device of the address is used to produce an address, reading the designation area that has the pictorial data in the image memory device, thereby changes with rotating manner or the mode that forms mirror image; Reading device is used for fetching pictorial data from the image memory device according to the address read that generating device of the address produces.

In addition, the mode of address generation makes the designation area that has the pictorial data in the image memory device be read from the image memory device.In addition, the address that is used for reading the pictorial data of designation area is subjected to predetermined process, thereby makes the pictorial data in the designation area obtain conversion, as rotating or form mirror image.

By following description, other purposes of the present invention, feature and advantage will be more clear.In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram, has shown the general structure of print system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the process flow diagram that signal shows print procedure;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram, has shown a system according to an embodiment of the invention, the structure of having given prominence to principal computer especially;

Fig. 4 is a process flow diagram, and it has shown an example of particular color indication process shown in Figure 2;

Fig. 5 has shown an example of the toning conversion table of doing according to the process of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 has shown an example of the toning conversion table of doing according to the process of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 has shown an example of the toning conversion table of doing according to the process of Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 has shown an example of the toning conversion table of doing according to the process of Fig. 4;

Fig. 9 is a process flow diagram, has shown an example of toning data production process shown in Figure 2;

Figure 10 is the process flow diagram that shows another example;

Figure 11 is the process flow diagram of an example of the sign input process of displayed map 2;

Figure 12 has shown the sign print format of Figure 11 appointment and the corresponding relation between data;

Figure 13 is a synoptic diagram, has shown the physical construction of the printer that is applicable to the embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a planimetric map;

Figure 15 is a block diagram, and signal has shown the electrical structure of the printer of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a block diagram;

Figure 17 is a block diagram, and it has shown the part of the inner structure of control panel shown in Figure 15, has wherein given prominence to data stream;

Figure 18 is a block diagram;

Figure 19 is a block diagram;

Figure 20 has shown for stoping unusual output to set data to each memory until the input conversion parameter;

Figure 21 is a block diagram, has shown the example of structure of the sign importation of Figure 19;

Figure 22 A and 22B have shown the corresponding relation that indicates between visual output area and the sign memory space;

Figure 23 has shown an example with respect to the data structure of a picture dot in the sign memory;

Figure 24 A to 24E has shown the example with respect to the formatted image of the basic image of recording medium;

Figure 25 is a block diagram, has shown the example of structure of parameter storage part and address control section;

Figure 26 is a synchronization scheme, has shown that the output of storing each signal in the control section when making image output (form 1) according to the printer of the embodiment of the invention is synchronous;

Figure 27 is a synchronization scheme, has shown that the output of storing each signal in the control section when making image output (form 2) according to the printer of the embodiment of the invention is synchronous;

Figure 28 has shown an example of the image output of making according to the printer of the embodiment of the invention;

Figure 29 is a process flow diagram, has shown to be used for giving each memory shown in Figure 180 and a routine process of register translation data and parameter setting;

Figure 30 is a planimetric map, has shown the example of structure of printer operation/display unit essential part;

Figure 31 is a block diagram, has shown the example of structure of essential part of the plate of control shown in Figure 15, has given prominence to data stream;

Figure 32 is a process flow diagram, has shown the example of the particular color assignment procedure of doing for printer shown in Figure 31 in principal computer;

Figure 33 is a block diagram, has shown suitable example of structure of giving the color detection unit of carrying out the particular color designated treatment shown in Figure 31;

Figure 34 is a process flow diagram, has shown the example of another particular color assignment procedure;

Figure 35 is a block diagram, has shown to be located at the structure of regional detecting unit that the color detection unit place of particular color designated treatment is carried out in shown in Figure 31 being used to;

Figure 36 is a block diagram, has shown the basic structure according to the printer of second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 37 is a synoptic diagram, has shown the essential part according to the record cell structure of the printer of second embodiment;

Figure 38 is a block diagram, has shown the schematic construction according to the image processing system of the 3rd embodiment;

Figure 39 has shown the reader according to the 3rd embodiment;

Figure 40 has shown the structure of summarizing according to the print unit of the 3rd embodiment;

Figure 41 has shown the establishing method of the setup unit that carries out the image repetition;

Figure 42 has shown the state that carries out the image repetition by half-twist;

Figure 43 has shown by carrying out mirror image and has exchanged the state of multiimage;

Figure 44 is a block diagram, has shown the schematic construction according to the image processing system of the 4th embodiment;

Figure 45 is a block diagram, has shown the schematic construction according to the image processing system of the 5th embodiment;

Figure 46 has shown the example of the image that forms with a basic visual repeat patterns;

Figure 47 A and 47B have shown the example of the basic visual position deviation makeover process that makeover process comprises;

Figure 48 is a process flow diagram, has shown an example of makeover process;

Figure 49 is a process flow diagram, has shown another example of makeover process;

Figure 50 A and 50B have shown another example of position correction;

Figure 51 A and 51B are process flow diagrams, have shown two examples of position correction;

Figure 52 A to 52C has shown the example of the misalignment makeover process that repair procedures comprises;

Figure 53 is a process flow diagram, has shown the example of misalignment makeover process;

Figure 54 is a process flow diagram, has shown the example of the grey area makeover process that is included in the makeover process;

Figure 55 has shown the state of the area of image that indication is repeated;

Figure 56 A to 56C has shown the state that carries out the image repetition with traditional structure.

(first embodiment)

Describe first embodiment of an invention in detail referring now to accompanying drawing.

Description to the print system most preferred embodiment will be carried out in the following order;

(1) general structure of system (Fig. 1 and 2)

(2) principal computer (Fig. 3 to 12)

(2.1) structure

(2.2) operation

(3) printer (Figure 13 to 30)

(3.1) printing mechanism

(3.2) Zhuan Zhi structure

(3.3) print pattern of basic image

(3.4) download of translation data and parameter (down load)

(4) other structures (Figure 31 to 35)

(5) residual texture

(1) general structure of system

Fig. 1 has shown the general structure according to the print system of one embodiment of the invention.Principal computer H is as data supplying device, and artwork data to be printed is offered the visual printer P of record on such as the recording medium of cloth (following also cry sometimes " printing "), and this data supplying device also provides other steering orders.By adopting principal computer H, can revise deviser former figure design or that scanner S reads on demand, and set desirable parameter so that printer is carried out printing for printer.Principal computer H can link such as the LAN of Ethernrt (being provided by Xerox) (local area network) 1016, to set up communication with another system.In addition, the state of printer P is apprised of principal computer H.The back will be described principal computer H in detail in conjunction with Fig. 3, and in conjunction with description printer P such as Figure 13.

Fig. 2 has shown the print procedure that available system of the present invention carries out.This print procedure comprises such as the following step.Former figure produces step MS1

In this step, the deviser is visual substantially with appropriate device generation one, and it is used as the elementary cell that will be repeatedly recorded in as the image on the cloth of recording medium.In this step, can adopt the necessary part of principal computer, as input media and display device etc., these parts will be described in conjunction with Fig. 3.Former figure input step MS3

In this step, principal computer H has received at former figure to produce the former figure that produces among the step MS1 by utilizing scanner S.Principal computer can read the former figure in the outside memory cell that has principal computer H, and can receive by LAN16.Former figure modify steps MS5

Although can select the various repeat patterns (described in conjunction with Figure 24) of basic image as the back according to the print system of present embodiment, according to selected repeat patterns, boundary portion branch undesirable position of image deviation appears and tone discontinuous.In this step, can select repetitive mode also can revise the uncontinuity of repeat patterns boundary member according to this selection.The mode of this correction is to use input media such as Genius mouse by design or operator, carries out with reference to the image on the display of principal computer H.Another kind of mode is to revise automatically by the image processing kinetic energy of principal computer H.Particular color given step MS7

Printer P according to present embodiment uses Huang (Y), dark red (M) and blue blue or green (C) and black (BK) to print basically.Print but wish sometimes to use such as the metallochrome of Jin Heyin and such as the pure color of red (R), green (G) and indigo plant (B).Therefore, can be with above-mentioned particular color print image according to the printer P of present embodiment, and these particular colors are specified in this step.Color toning data generation step MS9

The deviser selects color from Standard colour board when drawing former figure.The repeatability of selected color when printing has a significant impact the throughput rate of print system.Therefore, produce the data of the mixing ratio of determining Y, M, C or particular color, to reproduce selected Standard Colors satisfactorily.Sign input step MS11

Deviser's sign or fabricator's plate are imprinted on the end of dry kinds of goods usually.In this step, design the content of sign, color, size and position etc.Cloth size given step MS13

The length and widths of cloth to be printed etc. are all designated.As a result, determined the scanning amount of the record-header of printer P along main scanning direction and time direction of scanning, and the multiplicity of former figure.Former figure compression/magnification is set step MS15

Setting is to compression/magnification ratio of former figure (as 100%, 200% or 400% etc.).The type given step MS17 of cloth

Cloth is pressed natural fiber (as cotton, silk and wool) and synthon, and (as nylon, polyester and tacryl classification, these fibers have different characteristics in print procedure.In addition, even the feed amount of cloth is identical in each printing, the line that produces at boundary member along main scanning direction in each time printed also can be different.This is because the elongation of cloth is different with contraction.Therefore, the type of cloth to be printed is imported in this step, to set the feed amount of suitable printer P.Maximum ink supply amount is set step MS19

Even the China ink of equivalent is sprayed onto on the cloth, the density of image that produces on cloth also can be different and different with the type of cloth.In addition, the amount of sprayable China ink is with the difference of commingled system structure of printer P etc. and difference.Therefore, in this step,, set maximum ink ejection amount according to the commingled system structure of cloth type and printer P.Printing model given step MS21

Regulation printer P is with at a high speed or usual speed is printed and the head of printer P is that once or repeatedly ink-jet forms point.In addition, be defined in have no progeny in the printing pattern that continues to have printed or no matter the continuity of impression case and restarting.Shading pattern given step MS23

If printer P includes the record-header of a plurality of spouts, the mode of the discrete and/or use that visual manufacture process causes, the ink ejection amount of each spout of record-header and injection direction can change.For compensating this variation, to carry out a process (shading) sometimes, wherein revise the drive signal that is used for each spout, so that the emitted dose maintenance is constant.In this step, the synchronous grade of a shading operation can be designated.Printing step MS25

According to the appointment of so making, carry out the system of printing by printer P and operate.

As do not require some in the above-mentioned appointment, then can leave out or skip this step.If need, can add and make the step that other are specified etc.(2) principal computer (2.1) structure

Fig. 3 is a block diagram, and it has shown according to the present invention the overall system of present embodiment, and the structure of having given prominence to principal computer.

See Fig. 3, label 1011 represents to be used for the CPU of complete control information disposal system, the main memory of label 1013 expression storages one program, the workspace when this program of execution is carried out and be used as to this program by CPU1011; Label 1014 expression-dma controllers (the direct access controller below should claim " DMAC ") are used for transmitting data between each equipment of main memory 1013 and formation native system, omit simultaneously and pass through CPU1011.LAN interface between label 1015 expression LAN1016 and native system; Label 1017 expressions comprise ROM, SRAM, reach the input/output device (hereinafter referred to as " I/O ") of RSZ32C interface.Multiple external unit all can be linked I/O1017.Label 1018 and 1019 is represented hard disk drive and floppy disk respectively, and they all are used as outside storing apparatus.Label 1020 expressions are used for carrying out the dish interface of signal and communication between hard disk drive 1018 or floppy disk 1019 and native system.Label 1022 expression one scan/printing interfaces are used for carrying out signal and communication between printer P/ scanner S and principal computer H.This scanning/printing interface is a gpib interface.Label 1023 expressions one keyboard is used to import various these character informations and control information; Label 1024 expressions are as the Genius mouse of pointing device; Label 1025 expressions are used for carrying out the interface of signal and communication between keyboard 1023/ Genius mouse 1024 and native system.The display device of label 1026 expression such as CRT, it shows by interface 1027 controls.The system bus that label 1012 expressions are made up of data bus, control bus and address bus is used for carrying out signal and connects between each equipment.(2.2) operation

Native system is linked to each other by the said equipment and forms, and design or operator go up the various information that show according to CRT1026 and carry out work.Promptly on CRT1026, shown following message: from LAN or link character and/or the picture information that the external device (ED) of I/O1017, hard disk 1018, diskette 1 019, scanner S, keyboard 1023 and Genius mouse 1024 comes, exist in the main memory and the operation information relevant with system operation.Design or operator send the appointment of various information and send instruction from system, observe aforementioned display device simultaneously.

Describe now in the step shown in Figure 2 with system shown in Figure 3 some process relevant that carry out with essential part present embodiment.

Fig. 4 has shown the example of particular color assignment procedure shown in Figure 2.In this process, the toning conversion table that principal computer H makes (table that shows the mixing ratio of color Y, M, C, Bk and particular color) is passed to printer P, and this table is used to change the toning data that transmits from principal computer H.When this process begins, differentiate with regard to whether having specified with particular color at step SS7-1.If negate, this process finishes at this point, if differentiate it is sure, flow process enters step SS7-3, demonstrates the information of the existing particular color among the printer P at this on CRT1026.Said process, available applicant of the present invention discloses the invention of announcing in 2-187343 number at Jap.P. and carries out; This invention comprises a printer, and it has a printhead, makes the printing function discern the device (pattern is cut out) of this information because of aforementioned means thereby this printhead is useful on the information that provides moment.This information provider unit can comprise E-PROM or DIP switch.For being applicable to present embodiment, this information is the color of the used China ink of record-header, and printer P reads this information with the CPU1011 with its notice principal computer H.Whether the operator observes the information that is presented on the CRT1026, adopted the printhead of particular color and what color to be used as particular color with identification.Subsequently, in step SS7-5, whether the operator can comprise desirable particular color (being whether present state is allowed to) with appointments such as buttons.If the operator determines not load onto desirable particular color on printer P, process enters step SS7-9.At step SS7-9, on CRT1026, demonstrate an information, urge the printhead of loading onto required particular color.After this head was loaded onto, process entered step SS7-3.

If determine to allow the used printhead of printer P, in step SS7-51, specify the toning instruction that is used for determining color combination at step SS7-5.The mode of carrying out of this process makes and can specify the situation that three kinds of color C, M and Y is used for printing respectively with digital " 3 ", " 4 ", " 6 " or " 8 "; Add the situation of BK; Outside C, M and Y, add the situation of particular color S1 and S2; And add the situation of particular color S3 and S4.

According to this appointment, read the front at step SS7-53 and deposit toning conversion table in such as storing apparatus (main memory 1013 or outside cryopreservation device 1018 or 1109).The operator is the data of the correction chart amount (step SS7-55) of mixing with setpoint color where necessary; And a data of table together passes to printer P (step SS7-57) with the toning instruction.The example that in Fig. 5 to 8, has shown the toning conversion table.

But be used in treatment circuit back among the printer P with reference to the described circuit of Figure 15 to 19.

Fig. 9 has shown that color toning data shown in Figure 2 produces an example of the detailed process of being carried out among the step MS9.

In this process, read the Standard colour board of the color of deviser's selection at step SS9-1.For reading it, can use the described reading device of establishing as printer P in scanner S or back.At next step SS9-3, calculate the toning translation data that comprises particular color from the toning conversion table, this table is in advance according to having done to set to be suitable for printer P corresponding to the sign indicating number of standard color block.Subsequently, form image, and its form with color lump is printed at step SS9-5 according to the computational data that comprises particular color.

Subsequently, read the color lump that printer P prints, and the color data that so obtains is compared with the color data that obtains among the step SS9-1 at step SS9-7.If the difference between two data, then adopts the color toning translation data of calculating less than predetermined value, and sets in step SS9-11 and give printer P.If this difference surpasses predetermined value, then in step SS9-13 according to the toning data of above-mentioned poor corrected Calculation, and flow process is got back to step SS9-5.Subsequently, repeat this process, up to obtaining sure discriminating at step SS9-9.Although about the description of particular color process shown in Figure 4 at adopting particular color S1, S2, S3 and S4, the toning conversion table of every kind of situation (wherein having used S1, S2, S3 and S4 respectively) that the operator is handled can be revised according to the data that obtain in this process.According to present embodiment, can from the color sign indicating number, suitably select to comprise particular color and the combination of the China ink of the multiple color of the color sign indicating number selected corresponding to the deviser.

Figure 10 has shown that the color toning data produces another example of the detailed step that carries out in the step.

In this process, standard color block reads in the step SS9-21 that is similar to step SS9-1.Subsequently, in step SS9-23, prepare polytype color toning translation data, and utilize polytype toning translation data to convert a plurality of color lumps to, and print a plurality of color lumps reading color data.Subsequently, in step SS9-25, read this a plurality of color lumps, and the standard colors data that obtain among the color data that obtains thus and the step SS9-21 are compared.At step SS9-29, the chromatic number certificate being similar to the standard colors data is set to printer P, and selects to have the toning translation data of optimum productivity.

Polytype toning translation data of preparing in step SS9-23 is used for all printheads the data of prepared Chinese ink combined amount change scheduled volume.Another kind of situation is that these data only change the prepared Chinese ink combined amount a little in preset range, and above-mentioned scope is selected with respect to the data that the data that obtain among the step SS9-21 or operator set in process shown in Figure 4.Because this process is compared with process shown in Figure 9, can omit to revise to reach and print process again, so can determine the toning translation data at high speed.

Figure 11 has shown an example of the sign input process among Fig. 2.

In this process, propose to indicate the enquirement of whether importing to the operator at step SS11-1.If identify it is sure, just specify this color of color of the sign of being printed from the group that eight kinds of colors are formed, to select: C, M, Y, BK, particular color S1, S2, S3 and S4 at step SS11-3.

At next procedure SS11-5, select one in a plurality of signs of from the printer P that will describe below, preparing.This operation can be to select one from four signs.

At step SS11-7, specify in the printing size of the sign of printing along main scanning direction (directions X) and time direction of scanning (Y direction).This size is specified and can be carried out in the following manner, promptly specifies 512 or still less pixel at directions X, and specifies 8 or still less, making the record width (bar) of printing first main sweep operation simultaneously is a unit in the Y direction.

Step S11-9 can, specify the position of printing along main scanning direction (directions X) opening flag.At this, can specify 512 or pixel still less, can make a picture dot as a unit simultaneously.

At step SS11-11, specify along time position of direction of scanning (Y direction) opening flag printing, and indication is such as the spacing (interval of repetition) between sign.In this process, can specify 256 or still less, make one to be a unit simultaneously.Should note and can offer the operator to information, should be with the value of notifying his appointment less than the Y direction size of appointment among the step SS11-7.

According to above-mentioned appointment, principal computer H sets flag information to printer P at step SS11-13.The example of available form has " (WLOGO), (color), (pat-tern), (XO), (YO), (LO) reach (L1) ".Form (WLOGO) is an identification code, is used to make printer P to recognize that the data of following later are flag informations.Form (color) is to be used for the data of setpoint color and 1 byte signal, this signal can give 8 kinds of colors each distribute 1 also can export/cover the main body color by leading this 1 of energy/shutoff.Form (pattern) is 2 a kind of signals that are used for setting the data of pattern and are used to select four kinds of patterns.Form (XO), (YO), (LO), and (L1) be respectively the directions X size of setting sign, the Y direction size of sign, the directions X reference position that sign is printed and the data of printing the Y direction recurrence interval of sign.In Figure 12, shown the relation between the output form of these data and sign.

An example is described below, wherein selects basic visual 300 repeat patterns shown in Figure 24 B, and on cloth, print off pattern as shown in figure 46.Referring to Figure 46, the part that dotted line centered on is basic image 300.

If aspect the pattern continuity, depart from each other between basic visual 300A and basic visual 300B subsequently; As shown in Figure 47 A, then describe following process: the pattern of basic visual 300A is divided into some (BL1 to BL3 in the present embodiment), be about to it and be divided into a plurality of pixels of handling that wait, and mobile each piece (in this case, having moved the BL2 piece), to keep the pattern continuity, shown in Figure 47 B.

Figure 48 has shown an example, and wherein deviser or operator utilize such as Genius mouse 1024 or similar thing, in the screen referring to display/026, carry out this process.

At step SS5-1, receive the selection of former figure (image substantially) repeat patterns of the step MS3 input in Fig. 2, shown in Figure 24 A-24E.At step SS5-3, basic visual 300A and basic image area have subsequently been shown according to repeat patterns.In the present embodiment, according to the selection of the repeat patterns shown in Figure 24 B, make the demonstration shown in Figure 47 A.

At next step SS5-5, if input is that the operator makes, then process is finished, because for example set up the continuity of pattern; This operator's observation display is to specify the present state that allows.If it is by negative, then process enters step SS5-7, and basic there image is divided into a plurality of, departs from so that easily revise.Cut apart by this way and carry out, can make the operator the most easily collect each picture dot with the correction deviation, and simultaneously referring to display 1026.At next step SS5-9, discontinuous (being piece BL2 under the situation of Figure 47 A) taken place be sent to moving process.Determine that as the operator all processed and continuity of all pieces kept (shown in Figure 47 B), then the operator specifies in step SS5-11 input one, and allowing present state, and process is finished.

Makeover process can be carried out automatically by principal computer H, also can revise operation in view screen by the operator.In the case, the process by step SS5-7 among Figure 48 is rewritten as shown in Figure 49.

Referring to Figure 49, step SS5-15 is the step that extracts the pattern contour of basic image.This profile can use the known image processing method such as Laplce's method or gradient method to detect, and can comprise that the data of acquisition carry out the process of binary code.

At next step SS5-15, coming authentication pattern according to the outline data that obtains is continuous zone, and carries out the piece cutting operation.At step SS5-17, move and revise each piece according to outline data.

For pattern position on the boundary member of the basic image that is corrected in repetition departs from, can remove the part 300A1 of basic visual 300A, shown in Figure 50 A and 50B, and be divided into piece and move each piece.In the case, be rewritten into the form shown in Figure 51 A or the 51B with the process after the step SS5-7 shown in Figure 48.

That is to say, in the process of carrying out by the operator shown in Figure 51 A, the successional while of the pattern in observing step SS5-21, basic image is generally moved on to a position, allow in this positional offset amount.At step SS5-23, waiting for the input of decision, and deleting unnecessary zone.In the process of moving automatically by principal computer H shown in Figure 51 B, obtain among the step SS5-25 of the step SS5-13 of profile in being similar to Figure 49.Subsequently, according to the outline data overall movement substantially the image, up to bias less than predetermined value, thereby eliminated unwanted district.

The correction that pattern position is departed from, can by change amplify or dwindle each pattern element (or piece) size magnification or by carry out that one-side magnification changes and by piece move and the overall movement of basic image is carried out.In addition, can take a kind of setting, any in the above-mentioned modification method of wherein optional where necessary usefulness replaces the method for being scheduled to.In addition, the pattern revised automatically of the pattern of selectively actuatable person executable operations or computing machine.

Makeover process when the tone that is described in the basic visual boundary of repetition now departs from.In this process, by providing graded shown in the dotted line C among Figure 52 C, revise shown in solid line B among Figure 52 B, depart from respect to the tone of basic visual 300A shown in Figure 52 A and 300B pattern.

Figure 53 has shown an example of aforementioned makeover process.In this process, read the picture dot data set of boundary member at step SS5-31, and each pixel is averaged at step SS5-33.Promptly main body pixel data and data additions about pixel around eight, and with addition result divided by number of picture elements (promptly 9).The mean value of gained is set value to the main body pixel.Here the pixel data group of supposing gained shows in Figure 52 B.

Subsequently, providing the contemporary pixel data of graded, thereby revising pixel data for basic visual 300B.Aforementioned process can be undertaken by following formula:

Bnm={Anm/Bnm+ (1-Anm/Bnm) * X} * Bnm wherein Bnm and Anm is respectively the pixel data of pending basic visual 300B and corresponding to the pixel data of the boundary member of basic visual 300A, X be used for providing the number of graded and from " 0 " to " 1 " be the value of unit increase with " 0.2 ".As a result, group of pixels becomes shown in Figure 52 C, and tone departs from and obtains correcting shown in dotted line C among Figure 52 A.

In the time of can only the tone between the pixel at boundary member departs from greater than predetermined value at basic visual 300A and 300B, promptly only depart from when too big, just start this process at tone.

Tone depart from the deviser cut out/pasting patterns the time can appear at and to cut out/adhesive portion to make basic image, also can appear at the boundary member of basic image.The tone of the above-mentioned type departs from and is read as black line or gray area (wherein red, ash and the essentially identical district of blue signal).

Figure 54 has shown a routine process of revising above-mentioned gray area.In this process, from the pictorial data that reads, obtain gray area at step SS5-41.At next step SS5-43, obtain part as this process main body.Above-mentionedly obtain operation and can carry out choosing of basic image according to the operator.Promptly specifying is not the part of intrinsic design part.

At next step SS5-45, determine whether the gray area that obtains comprises pending main part.If differentiate it is sure, then flow process enters step SS5-4, at this main body pixel data and ambient data in gray area is averaged.At step SS5-49, replace the main body pixel data with mean value.

This process is not limited to revise gray area.The boundary member of basic image also can adopt said process.In the case, obtain above-mentioned boundary member at step SS5-43 as pending main body.In addition, in step SS5-47 and step subsequently, can implement this process to boundary member.In addition, can be subjected to a kind of correction, wherein provide the gradual change shown in Figure 53 in the process that step SS5-49 carries out.If owing to cutting out/paste the offset that takes place between pixel, available method shown in Figure 48 is revised this and is departed from.

Above-mentionedly depart from being used for correction position, tone departs from and the description of the process of gray area, be to carry out with the form of giving an example.Therefore, can add other process where necessary.In addition, also can skip or omit unnecessary process certainly.

Although describe to be about the situation of the repetition of revising the basic image shown in Figure 24 B, it also can be used for the repeat patterns of other types, for example by shown in Figure 24 A, the 24C to 24E those.

The back will be described the structure of the part that comprises the printer P that is used to carry out said process in conjunction with Figure 21.(3) printer (3.1) printing mechanism

Referring to Figure 13, with the operation of describing as the string type ink-jet recording apparatus that is suitable for printer P of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 13,

color print head

2a, 2b, 2c and the 2d that can spray blue blue or green (C), dark red (M), yellow (Y) and black (BK) respectively are housed on the support 1.Guide shaft 3 supports the motion of support 1 by guide support 1.Though in the demonstration of simple description scheme, omitted, can load four special color heads according to this support of present embodiment.In addition, be provided with the mechanism relevant for this structure with the special color head.Each stature all can be loaded onto support independent or severally first group, or takes off from it.

For no reason belt is fixed and links on the part of support 1, and is set on the gear on the driving shaft that is fixed on carriage drive motor 5 (being driven by motor driver 23); Motor 5 is impulse motors.Thereby, when carriage drive motor 23 rotates, be fixed to and be with 4 to be moved on the driving shaft, make support 1 along the recording surface scanning of recording medium 6 (recording chart or cloth) with move.Printer P also comprises the conveying roller that is used for conveying recording medium 6, the deflector roll 8A that is used for leader record medium 6 and 8B, reaches recording medium transmission motor 9.

It is that such as 400DPI (point/inch) 256 go out head piece that each of

printhead

2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and special color printhead all has density, is used for ink droplet is sprayed onto recording medium 6.Among

printhead

2a, 2b, 2c and the 2d (and special color printhead) each, by corresponding China ink jar 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d (and special color China ink jar) through delivery pipe 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d (and special color ink supply pipe) ink supply.In addition, the ink jet signal from head driver 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d (and special color driver) is offered selectively the energy generating apparatus (not shown) that is located to the fluid passage that respectively goes out head piece through flexible cable 13a, 13b, 13c and 13d (and special color flexible cable).

Printhead

2a, 2b, 2c and 2d etc. have corresponding well heater 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d (14b, 14c and 14d etc. have omitted in the drawings) and temperature-detecting device 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d (15b, 15c and 15d etc. have omitted in the drawings) respectively.Detection signal from temperature-detecting device 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d etc. is provided for the control circuit 16 that has CPU.Control circuit 16 is according to detection signal, and through driver 17 and power supply 18, the heating of control head well heater 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d etc. moves.

When not printing, lid arrangement 20 contacts with the head piece surface that goes out of each

printhead

2a, 2b, 2c and 2d.As a result, prevent from the dry and harmful exotic of head piece and mixed, and removed the exotic that mixes.Especially, when not printing,

printhead

2a, 2b, 2c and 2d are moved to the position in the face of lid arrangement 20.Lid arrangement 20 is driven forwards by lid driver 25, so that elastomeric element 44 is pushed down out the head piece surface and carried out the capping operation.Though in demonstration, omitted, also can be provided for the lid arrangement of special color head.

When

printhead

2a, 2b, 2c and 2d carried out invalid injection, anti-block apparatus 31 received the China ink of ejection.Anti-block apparatus 31 has a liquid receiving-member 32, and it is in the face of

printhead

2a, 2b, 2c and the 2d China ink with absorption in invalid injection and reception ejection; Anti-block apparatus 31 is located between lid arrangement 20 and the record start position.As the preferred materials as liquid receiving-member 45, porosint or sintering of plastics material all can adopt.

Water spray solenoid valve 61 and air pump driver 62 are linked lid arrangement 20, with under the control of control circuit 16, start water spray and wash the air current spray nozzle that is located in the lid arrangement 20.

Figure 14 is the plan view that shows according to the operation of printhead of the present invention, wherein with Figure 13 in identical parts identical label is arranged and has saved description of them.In Figure 14, also saved relevant structure with special color head 2S1 to 2S4.

Referring to Figure 14, top of form detecting device 34 and lid arrangement detecting device 36 detect the device of

printhead

2a, 2b, 2c and 2d respectively.Invalid eject position detecting device 35 detects

printhead

2a, 2b, 2c and the 2d normal place in the invalid injection operation of carrying out when move the direction of scanning.

Label 108 an expression characteristic detecting apparatus, it is used for the shading process (step MS23 shown in Figure 2) of head and is used to produce toning data (step MS9).Characteristic detecting apparatus 108 comprises: conveying device, be used for conveying recording medium etc., and on this medium, print and lift one's head shading test pattern and toning by head; Reading device is used to read the information about test pattern and toning.The characteristic detecting apparatus 108 Jap.P. of the present patent application people application discloses device shown in Figure 31 in 4-18358 number.

The ink-vapor recording process is described now.

In the wait process, cover printhead 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d by lid arrangement 20.When print signal was provided to control circuit 16, motor 15 was rotated by motor driver 23, makes support 1 begin to move.When detecting device 35 detected printhead and arrives invalid eject position 35, printhead 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d carried out the invalid ink-jet of the schedule time to anti-block apparatus 31.Subsequently, support 1 moves along direction shown in the arrow D again.When record start detecting device 34 detected mobile support 1, the head piece that goes out of printhead 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d moved selectively.As a result, spray ink droplet, thereby on recording medium 6, write down image, formed the dot matrix pattern.After the printing of finishing preset width (this interval and number by the nozzle that vertically is provided with along printhead is determined), support 1 moves on to the right-hand member (this can detect by the umber of pulse that counting motor 5 provides) of figure.After detecting support 1, be provided for the pulse that printhead is provided with width, so that the printhead 2a of the leftmost side moves on to the print zone of the rightmost side in the printhead.Subsequently, support 1 moves along the arrow E direction, to get back to invalid eject position.In addition, come conveying recording medium, and repeat aforesaid operations with the width extent that is equal to or greater than the record width.(3.2) Zhuan Zhi structure

The structure of device is described below.Figure 15 and 16 has shown the example of structure according to the ink-jet printer example of structure of present embodiment and operation part thereof.Figure 17 to 19 has schematically shown the example of control panel 102 shown in Figure 15 by the inner structure of the order of data stream.

The print image data through interface (being GPIB in the structure at present embodiment), are sent to the control panel 102 that has control circuit 16 grades shown in Figure 13 by principal computer H.The device that transmits pictorial data be there is no particular determination, and data transmit available network or carry out with the offline mode by tape and so on.Control panel 102 comprises the ROM102B that stores various programs, has the RAM102C of various registers district and workspace and other parts shown in Figure 17 to 19 etc., with complete control device.Operation/the display unit of label 103 expression band operation panels, to the predetermined instruction of printer P input, this unit also has a display, is used to operator's display message etc. by this operation panel operator.Label 104 expression cloth conveyers comprise being used to carry such as the motor of the recording medium of cloth to be printed etc.Label 105 expression driver element I/O ports are used to rotate each motor (with " M " indication of its afterbody) and start the solenoid shown in Figure 16 (with " SOL " indication).Label 107 expression one relay plate is used for providing drive signal to each printhead, and receive information about printhead (about whether carried out showing and about the information of the color of head) and be sent to control panel 102.Information about head is reached principal computer H as described above.

When receive from principal computer H about image data information to be printed the time, this information is deposited in image memory 505 through GDIB interface 501 and frame storage controller 504 (seeing Figure 17).According to the image memory 505 of present embodiment the capacity of 124 megabyte is arranged, and its set-up mode data of making the A1 size constitute with the form of 8 toning datas.Promptly 8 are assigned to a pixel.Label 503 expressions are used to improve the dma controller of the data transfer rate between memory.When finishing, carry out a predefined procedure, and can begin to print from the data transmission of principal computer.

Though described reversed order, linked the pictorial data of the principal computer transmission of printing equipment as the panel image.Because each printhead all has a plurality of injection nozzles that longitudinally are provided with, the arrangement of image data item must be changed to adapt to the arrangement of nozzle.Data-switching is undertaken by Ping Mian @BJ switching controller 506.By Ping Mian @BJ switching controller 506 data converted, behind amplification, be fed to toning switching controller 508 (see figure 8)s through the amplification controller 507 that is used to change the pictorial data size.The data that are used in amplification controller 507 or the previous processed are provided by principal computer H, are 8 toning datas according to these data of present embodiment.Toning data (8) is delivered to the processing unit (describing in the back) that is used for corresponding printhead in a usual manner, and obtains handling in a little unit.

Here supposition is provided with 8 printheads that are used to store Huang, dark red, Lan Qing, black and special color S1 to S4.

Toning switching controller 508 toning data and corresponding look conversion table that principal computer H is provided or that cause because of the process shown in Fig. 4 or 9 or 10 are delivered to conversion table memory 509.

If use 8 toning datas, 256 kinds of colors of reproducible from 0 to 255.For example, in table memory 509, form the table shown in Fig. 5 to 8 by the main body color.

One concrete circuit structure is described now.Toning conversion table memory 509 by writing translation data in the address location that is used for toning data, and is carried out its function.Really provide by the address as if toning data, just access storage unit under read mode.It should be noted that toning switching controller 508 control toning conversion table memories 509, and between control panel 102 and toning conversion table memory 509, set up an interface.As for special color, between a toning conversion table memory 509 and a HS system subsequently that forms by a HS switching controller 510 and a HS conversion table memory 511, set amount is provided with the circuit (being used in 0 to 1 times scope, taking advantage of the circuit of output) that is used to set the special color combined amount, so that can change.In this situation, data are by transmitting shown in Fig. 5 to 8, and the used data of then change amount obtain transmitting, to set this circuit.

HS switching controller 510 and HS conversion table memory 511 according to the data that a characteristic detecting apparatus 108 records, are corrected going out departing from of head piece (nozzle) injection direction of print density or each printhead.For example, the data that go out head piece of injection small volume of ink obtain conversion to improve density.The injection too much data that go out head piece of China ink obtains conversion to reduce density, with the then transmission in statu quo of the data that go out head piece of optimum density ink-jet.

An one γ switching controller 512 and a γ conversion table memory 513 are shown conversion, to improve or to reduce the total body density of each color.For example, if do not operate, then adopt following linear list:

Output data (0) when input data (0)

Output data (100) when input data (100)

Output data (210) when input data (210)

Output data (255) when input data (255)

One subsequently binary coding controller 514 has pseudo-taper function and receives 8 gradual change data and export binary-coded 1 pseudo-gradual change data.Utilize dither matrix (dither matrix) method and error-diffusion method similar approach such as (error diffusion), multi-value data is converted to binary data.Present embodiment adopts any in the said method.Although omitted description of them at this, this method must be represented gradual change with the number of unit area mid point.

Binary coded data exists in the interim memory 515, and is used to operate each printhead.The binary data that transmits from each interim memory be used as C, M, Y, BK, and S1 to S4 transmit.Owing to be used for the identical process of binary coded signal experience of respective color, describe binary data C below in conjunction with Figure 21.Figure 21 has shown the structure that is used to handle blue cyan to be recorded, and provides and be used for versicolor similar structures.Figure 19 is a block diagram, and it has shown the circuit structure after the interim memory 515 shown in Figure 17 and 18.

One binary coded signal C is sent to the many scanning generators of sequence (to call " SMS generator " in the following text) 522.Yet signal C is sent to selector switch 519 earlier, because the test printing operation of this isolated system is undertaken by

pattern generator

517 and 518 sometimes.Certainly the selection of selector switch 519 is by the CPU control of control panel 102.If the operator carries out scheduled operation with control module 103 (seeing Figure 15), carry out the test printing operation with regard to the data of selecting to advance pattern generator 517 from two systems.Usually select data from binary controller 514 (interim memory 516).

It should be noted that SMS generator 522 is used to prevent the diffusion of the irregular density of image, this irregular be that dispersing of injection direction owing to emitted dose and/or each nozzle causes.This many scanning hints in such as Japanese patent application 4-79858 to some extent.Interim memory 524 is buffer storages, is used to correct the physical location at the interval between the head, and be suitable for receiving pictorial data temporarily and with it with transmitting synchronously corresponding to the physical location of head.Therefore, to corresponding color to be recorded, each of interim memory 524 has different capacity.In addition, can specify, a plurality ofly go out the head piece ink-jet and give image quality with preferentially to form a pixel by making at the step MS21 of Fig. 2, or need not above-mentioned many scan operations and preferentially giving high speed operation.

After finishing above-mentioned data processing, give head data by a relay plate 107.

So far, be used to mix colours conversion, HS conversion and γ data converted kept regularly by the memory that offers apparatus main body.Therefore, the problem that data can't be suitable for pictorial data to be transmitted and can't obtain satisfied image quality appears sometimes.Correspondingly, the setting of present embodiment, being used in data converted can import from the outside of device and exist each conversion table memory.For example, the input of the toning translation data shown in Fig. 5 to 8 conversion table memory 509.Promptly form by RAM according to the conversion table memory 509,511 and 513 of present embodiment.Being used for toning conversion and γ data converted transmits from principal computer H.Be used for the HS data converted through external head characteristic detecting apparatus 108 (seeing Figure 15) input, to obtain data all the time corresponding to the state of head.In order to obtain respectively to write down a characteristic of color with a characteristic detecting apparatus 108, carry out test printing operation (writing down all even predetermined half tone image) by each printhead, and measure and the corresponding Density Distribution of record width.Above-mentioned " head status " refers to dispersing or density of image that head prints and the difference degree of expecting density of a spray regime that a plurality of nozzles that comprised are realized.

The setting of present embodiment, even make that output also is zero when the data of importing as shown in figure 20, and up to importing all non-prints of conversion parameter, to prevent unusual output.The γ conversion waits also to be carried out in a similar manner.

Figure 21 has shown the example of structure of sign importation 520 as shown in figure 19, and this part is suitable for principal computer process that carry out, as shown in figure 11.

Data＜color color 〉,＜pattern patter 〉,＜XO 〉,＜YO 〉,＜LO〉and＜L1〉be set among the register 520A by CPU102A, this CPU is included in the control sheet frame 102 of printer P.Controller 520B is made up of counter etc., and is used for received signal (for example, address signal), with the motion of the inferior direction of scanning (Y-direction) of the motion of the main scanning direction (X-direction) of control printhead and cloth 6.Thereby this sign is carried out printing on the position definite by LO and L1 (seeing Figure 12).In addition, piece of controller 520B control is removed circuit, 520C, this circuit is removed binary coding pictorial data, its objective is make begin from master site and by the XO of register 520A storage and the zone of YO decision, indicate that just print range becomes blank.Remove circuit 520C and receive above-mentioned control signal, thereby be main areas deletion pictorial data 516.

Controller 520B is according to the sign memory 520D of the sign of being specified a storage to print by " pattern " of register frame 520A storage.Present embodiment has four kinds of form print patterns, that is to say, four sign memories are provided.Each sign memory 520D is made of the ROM of 2 4M positions, thereby topped by maximal value XO (512 pixels) and (256 of printhead go out the head piece number: the full-size that is determined 256 * 8 sections=2048 pixels) by maximal value YO.

Figure 22 A and 22B have provided the corresponding relation between the data of two ROM (ROMA and ROMB) that indicate visual output area and sign memory.With reference to accompanying drawing, hatched area is then represented the part that is not output greater than the XO that sets and YO because of its value.

A pixel constitutes (as shown in figure 23) by 8, and the data ON/OFF of every kind of color is assigned to each.

The data of reading from the sign memory 520D by controller frame 520B appointment are sent to sign transmission circuit 520E.Sign transmission circuit frame 520E is made of selector switch etc., and it only makes the position (color data) in the pixel data shown in Figure 23 become effectively, and this is with relevant by the color that has sign color settings data (color color) appointment among the register 520A.Then, provide effective color data by sign transmission circuit 520E for data transmission circuit 520F.The data transmission circuit 520F transmission color data that can be made of an OR circuit etc., this color data is used for printing the sign of the given pattern of setting in the clear area.In addition, when pictorial data 516 regional beyond sign, data transmission circuit 520F just makes it pass through, and it is offered thereafter SMS generator.

Because irrelevant to the control of flag data and parent map image data in the present embodiment, thus the operator required flag data can be inserted in a hope repetition period and no matter the type of this basic visual repetition period and repeat patterns shown in Figure 24.In addition, (just after the binary coding operation) makes the zone of setting be set to blank immediately, and inserts sign before the parent map image data is transferred to printhead.Therefore, this sign mark can print by desired (as clearly) in the influence that is not subjected to various conversions.In addition, also be that a pixel specifies one mode to distribute 1 byte by every kind of color shown in Figure 23.Therefore, the efficient of memory use is improved.

Also have a kind of structure also can adopt, the content that is characterized in indicating memory is read by principal computer H's or printer P's CPU, also can show on the CRT1026 of principal computer or on the operation 103 of printer P.

Although this embodiment has a sign memory that contains ROM, it also can be a ROM or EPROM and maybe can pack into from the similar device of the content of principal computer H.In the case, adoptable a kind of way is, main frame H is the flag data build file and is stored in the outside memory cell with a control number, one be necessary promptly addressable.Under the situation of using RAM, the content of storage is preserved if the power failure of (electrical network) power supply can be enabled battery backup system.Also can adopt another structure, it is that flag data is spread out of and delivers to from main frame H in the memory of printer.

The number of sign, just the number of flag data pattern also just is not limited to 4 kinds certainly.

For printer P, can select each pixel is carried out twice or the mode of more times ink-jet such as many scan operations according to this embodiment.If sign does not require higher image quality, control can be finished by this sample loading mode, forbids carrying out the second time and the operation thereafter that form aforesaid sign.In this case, gate circuit or other similar circuit must be added to, for example, among the data transmission circuit 520F as shown in Figure 21, its gate circuit is used to the clear flag data, thereby forbids for the second time and subsequent ink ejection operation according to holotype.

(3.3) basic visual print pattern

When the pictorial data of the basic image of input, main frame H to the input imagery size of printer P transfer instruction form (Xin, Yin) and parameter.Consequently, the CPU102A of printer P remains on input area in the image memory 505, and the input imagery size is deposited in the parameter memory of RAM102C.When main frame H sequentially in printer P during the transmission diagram image data, printer P receive pictorial data and by a FM controller 504 with this data-storing in image memory 505.On the other hand, main frame H delivers to the pictorial data output format among the printer P.As a result, printer P just makes output format be stored in the parameter memory field of RAM102C.According to this embodiment, output type shown in Figure 24 is used as the output format of pictorial data.

Figure 24 A--24E has provided the output format that obtains according to this embodiment.

Figure 24 A has provided a kind of form (Class1), and wherein basic image 300 prints shown in Figure 24 A in this way, promptly repeats periodically on directions X (support 1 moves with this direction) and Y direction (recording medium 6 moves with this direction).Figure 24 B provides form (type 2), and wherein basic visual 300 according to every a frame it being sent the mode duplicate printing of a predetermined offset (departure) in the directions X amount to the Y direction.Figure 24 C then illustrates form (type 3), and 300 in wherein basic image prints by this way, promptly every a frame it is sent a predetermined amount delta X to directions X.Figure 24 D provides form (type 4), wherein basic image 300 prints by this way, i.e. rotation (half-twist under situation shown in Figure 24 D) is image substantially, and sends on the Y direction with the side-play amount (side-play amount shown in Figure 24 D is " 0 ") that is similar to type 2 (Figure 24 B).Figure 24 E provides form (type 5), and wherein basic image 300 prints by this way, i.e. rotation (half-twist under the situation of Figure 24 E) is image substantially, and sends at directions X with the side-play amount that is similar to Figure 24 C shown type 3.

As the parameter that is used to set output format and send from main frame H, aforesaid parameter and following parameter all can be used: such as the output class type of Class1 to type 5; Substantially visual (X _b, Y _b) size; Output image (Xout, overall dimensions Yout); Directions X offset X and Y direction offset Y; And rotation amount (this is 90 ° of units).These parameters are pressed following condition setting:

The capacity of Xin * Yin≤memory 505;

X _b≤Yin

Y _b≤Yin

Xout≥X _b

Yout≥Y _b

ΔX≤X _b

ΔY≤Y _b

Main frame H passes to the pictorial data print command among the printer P in step MS25 shown in Figure 2.Consequently, printer P begins printing.

Especially, CPU102A is provided in the address control section that provides for FM controller frame 504 by the timing of reading timing, starter motor driving frame 23 of memory 505 and the timing of startup head driver 24.Consequently, CPU102A is controlled at the timing as print image on the cloth 28 of recording medium.The address control section sequentially reads pictorial data from memory 505 according to the parameter that is set to the parameter memory field, sends it to print head driver 24.As a result, print head driver 24 is that printhead 2a to 2d and particular color head produce drive signal according to pictorial data, and drive signal is reached printhead.Like this, each printhead has just been handled by drive signal.Consequently, an ink droplet just sprays to cloth 6, so that the image corresponding with pictorial data just printed.

On the other hand, motor driver 23 drives again and transmits motor 9 and make cloth 6 go to the place that can print forward.Then, support motor 5 just rotates with predetermined direction, finishes record (printing) (seeing Figure 13) at support 1 between moving period with the D direction.When printing to of single pass above-mentioned finish like that after, 5 reverse rotations of support motor make support 1 move back to reference position at direction E.With value cloth 6 is gone ahead along the Y direction by rotating transmission motor 9 then, or under many scan operations situation, go ahead with value less than print span with the corresponding record width of the single pass of Y direction.Above-mentioned timing is design like this, and it makes a to-and-fro movement of support 1 is the basic cycle, and makes the print speed of printhead be printing benchmark regularly.

When printer P by printing overall dimension (Xout by the image that will export by repeating aforesaid operation, during the size that Yout) sets visual, it just stops the operation of motor driver, print head driver and FM controller etc., thereby finishes printing type.Then, printer P waits for the input from main frame H and operation 103.

Figure 25 is a block scheme, and it provides the example by the inner structure of the parameter memory part of this embodiment design and address control section.

Referring to Figure 25, label 830-836 represents the memory part as the register in parameter storage part respectively.(Xout, Yout), register 831 then stores basic dimension of picture (X to the overall dimensions of memory 830 storage output maps _b, Y _b), the repeat number (N of the basic image output of register 832 storage directions Xs and Y direction _x, N _y), the type of register 833 storage outputs, register 834 storage directions X offset X, 835 storages of register Y direction offset Y, 836 storages of register rotation amount R.

N herein _z=INT (Xout/X _B), N _y=INT (Yout/Y _b), the INT in this formula (a) represents a kind of like this operation, if wherein numerical value a is a decimal number, its fraction part will be deleted, and integral part to add 1 towards the direction of bigger value, for example, INT (1.2)=1.

Above-mentioned register root is connected to the corresponding part (especially, they are as the reference value of the following comparer of describing) of address control section according to the output format of the pictorial data that is received.

Referring to Figure 25, label 837 representative is used to the X address generator A of basic visual 300 directions X address (XADRA) counting.Label 838 representative is used to the Y address generator A of basic visual 300 Y direction address (YADRA)

counting.Label

839 and 840 has provided X address generator B and the Y address generator B that is used to basic visual 300 directions X and Y direction address (XADRB and YADRB) counting respectively, the parent map here as if through resembling (the seeing Figure 24 B and 24C) that aforesaid

visual output type

2 and 3 has been shifted in X or Y direction.Among the address generator 837-840 each is by a counter and a comparer composition that is used to finish compare operation that is used for actual OPADD, thereby whether definite address exceeds the size of basic image or the size of whole output images.

Label 841 represents one to be used in X and the Y direction block counter for the repeat number counting of basic image 300, and block counter 841 comprises a counter and a comparer.Label 842 has provided one and has been used to select directions X address (XADRA) or at the selector switch of the X address (XADRB) that directions X has moved.Label 843 has provided another selector switch of the Y address (YADRB) that is used to select Y direction address (YADRA) or has moved in the Y direction.Label 844 has provided one and has been used to transmit the various read signal (CS that read image memory 505, ADR, RAS, CAS, WE etc.) and various timing signal (IN, OUT, VE, PE etc.) according to address (XADR) and address (YADR) (providing by selector switch 842 and 843).

Adopt one or more commercially available D-RAM (dynamic ram) and constitute according to the image memory 505 of present embodiment.Resemble the signal that reads of memory 505 being used for interpreting blueprints, signal CS represents to be used to select the chip select signal of module, ADR represents that one is used for the row address (YADR) of locating in turn according to the time and the signal of column address (XADR), RAS represents rwo address strobe signals, CAS then represents column address gating signal, but WE represents a write signal.Figure 26 has at length provided the sequential of aforesaid each signal.

As for aforesaid timing signal, IN represents to be used for to keep the locking timing signal of the lock-in circuit of input image data temporarily, OUT represents to be used for to keep the locking timing signal of the lock-in circuit of output image data temporarily, VE represents to be used to indicate the optical signal of the efficient image of each grating, and PE represents to be used to indicate the page initiating signal (page enable signal) (seeing Figure 26 and 27) of 1 page of effective grating.

In transmission during as Figure 24 A shown type 1 visual and the lever piece of the address control section of finishing will be described with reference to Figure 26.

When being specified by main frame H or operation 103 when opening as printing, CPU102A sends to address control section 8 with signal START, thereby removes X address generator 837 and Y address generator ((XADRA and (YADRA) all be set to 0).In addition, CPU102A can make

address generator

837 and 838 operations, also can make timing generator 344 and block counter 842 operations.

When the level signal START of the signal START of output reference timing signal 500 (comprising image output clock CLK, grating synchronizing signal HSYNC, enabling signal START etc.) has risen and horizontal-drive signal HSYNC rises after (effectively), show that as Figure 26 timing generator 44 just rises (becoming effectively) with the level of signal VE and PE.Show as Figure 26, at signal VE with HSYNC is between high period and clock CLK is synchronous, signal RAS, CAS, ADR, WE and OUT are sent in the image memory 505.As a result, pictorial data reads from image memory 505.By be at signal VE and PE control image memory 505 between high period read just can determine reading in and outgoing position of pictorial data in the address.

The address control operation of finishing by address control section 8 is described now.

When the current potential of horizontal-drive signal HSYNC rises, will be become zero by clear from the output of X address generator 837, with the CLK saltus step synchronously in one " 1 " of counting (XADRA) increase of output.When the value of XADRA reached " Xb " (directions X length of basic image), X address generator 837 sent to block counter 41 with pulse carry signal (XARC), was clearly zero (regularly T1-T3 as shown in figure 26) with its OPADD (XADRA).That is to say that carry signal (XARC) is the result by the comparison of having been done by the comparer (having omitted among the figure) between the counter output valve of the basic dimension of picture " Xb " of basic dimension of picture register 831 storages and counting CLK.

In aforesaid operating period, block counter 841 transmits high level and selects signal XSEL and YSEL, make selector switch 842 select the address signal (XADRA) that sends from X address generator 837, and make selector switch 843 select to send address signal (YADRA) from Y address generator 838.When the carry signal (XARC) of people X address generator 837 when being received, directions X block count X just increases by 1.When counting becomes and directions X multiplicity N _xWhen (timing T3) was identical, transmission signals YCNT was so that increase by 1 with the counting of Y address generator 838, and for the pictorial data of reporting a grating is finished at directions X, signal XEND will be set to 1 (effectively).

During this period, timing generator 844 produces address signal ADR and chip select signal CS for image memory 505 according to the address signal (YADR) that the address signal (XADR) that is provided by selector switch 842 and selector switch 843 provide, and and exports reference timing signal 500 and synchronously signal RAS, CAS, WE, ADR, CS and OUT are sent to image memory 505.The result has read pictorial data.When the signal XEDN that is provided by block counter 841 became " 1 ", the distant level of signal V was with regard to step-down (ending) (timing T3), and interrupted the output of above-mentioned signal, stopped provisionally reading pictorial data from image memory 505.When the level of signal VE when low, the operation of X address generator 837, Y address generator 838 and block counter 841 all is stopped.When being the horizontal-drive signal HSYNC saltus step first of the beginning part of grating, repeat aforesaid operation.As a result, the counting of Y address generator 838 increases continuously.After the grating print processing is finished, and the Y direction length of the basic image of the value of the Y address (YADRA) that sends out from Y address generator 838 is abandoned under " Yb " consistent situation (T5 is to T7), the carry signal (YARC) that is provided by Y address generator 838 is sent to block counter 841, and signal (YADRA) is by clear one-tenth " 0 ".

When the carry signal (YARC) that is provided by Y address generator 838 was provided for block counter 841, block counter 41 increased by 1 in the Y direction with block count Y, and check the value that increased whether with multiplicity N _yIt is consistent. if they are consistent with each other, and block counter 841 raises the level of YEND (effectively), thereby notice Y direction read operation (fixed bright T7) is finished.After signal YEND became 1, timing generator 844 reduced the level of signal VE and PE and look-at-me output.Like this, just finished for the operation of the interpreting blueprints image data of a unit of cloth.Behind the level step-down of signal PE, the counting operation of X address generator 837, Y address generator 838 and block counter 841, all be stopped.

Aforesaid multiplicity N _yCan also can calculate among the step MS13 in Fig. 2 with the order transmission from computing machine H, perhaps can set by using operation 103.

When the image of the class lane 2 shown in Figure 24 B was exported, the operation of finishing by address control section 8 will be described with reference to sequential shown in Figure 27.

Although it is identical that the basic operation shown in the sequential chart and the image of output Class1 shown in Figure 26 are finished, its difference is, the operation of Y address generator 840 is become effectively and realized selecting to handle by selector switch 843.

Especially, difference is that block counter 841 synchronously forwards the level of selecting signal YSEL and the block count of directions X block counter to selector switch 843.Therefore, the signal (YADRB) that signal (YADRA) that provides from Y address generator 838 and Y address generator 840 provide has just been changed, thereby all changes its Y address for every.

In addition, when the saltus step of horizontal-drive signal HSYNC, the clear one-tenth zero of Y address generator 840, but when timing, Y direction offset Y is loaded in the Y address generator 840.Y address generator 840 compares the Y direction length " Yb " of basic image and the output (YADRB) of Y address generator 840.When (YADRB) become identical with " Yb " after, Y address generator 840 is with regard to zero clearing.At this moment, do not transmit carry signal YBRC, the carry signal (YARC) that block counter 841 response X address generators 837 provide increases the counting of block counter.

In Figure 27, described the timing of aforementioned operation in detail, for example, when visual substantially 300 parts shown in the printed drawings 24B during scan operation first, the Y address (YADR) that offer timing generator 844 is " 0 ", and its reason is to have selected the output (YADRA) of Y address generator 838.When the operation part first that is used to scan right area of image (Offset portion) is printed backward, just selected from the output (YADRB) of Y address generator 840, and it is configured to " Δ Y "." 0 " is got back on similar ground, Y address (YADR) when printing the 3rd area of image (not having skew).YADR becomes " Δ Y " again when printing next deviate region.

When being used to print the 2nd scan operation of aforesaid area of image, select the output (YADRA) of Y address generator 838, and Y address (YADR) becomes " 1 " in not having the skew area of image.In offset area, become " Δ y+1 " with regard to selected and Y address (YADR) from the output of Y address generator 840.Owing to becoming with the row 301 shown in Figure 24 B, the output from Y address generator 840 exported basic dimension of picture " Y afterwards _b" identical, Y address is " 0 " clearly.

Different with the type 2 of side-play amount that is the Y direction, are side-play amounts of directions X with type 3 among this embodiment.Therefore, from the output of Y address generator 838 or all selected when printing type 2, to form Y address (YADR) from the output of Y address generator 840.Print the operation of type 3 and must finish a control in such a way, promptly selector switch 842 is selected from X address generator 837 or from the output of X address generator 839 it to be transmitted as X address (XADR).

Especially, the Y count value in block counter 841 and the block counter 841 synchronously changes to the selection signal XSEL of selector switch 842.As a result, the address of being transmitted by X address generator 837 or X address generator 893 for the transposing of each piece (XADRA) or (XADRB) is sent to timing generator 844 with it as (XADR).When HSYNC changed for the first time, X address generator 839 was not by clear " 0 ", but between the timing sync period, the offset X on the directions X is loaded into.X address generator 839 compares the directions X width " Xb " in the basic image with output XADRB, if (XADRB) exceed " Xb ", then pulse carry (XBRC) is not transmitted, but X address generator 839 is by clear " 0 ".The carry (XARC) that block counter 841 is provided according to X address generator 837 increases the count value of block counter X.

If the horizontal direction of basic image and the length " Xb " of vertical direction and " Yb " ratio are integers, so, the geometric figure of type 4 or type 5 generates both beautiful and practically.Set up (parent map as if a square) if concern Xb=Yb, can realize very beautiful profile.In addition, structure also can constitute relatively simply, and XADR and YADR can exchange mutually, according to the value of rotation amount R, and the counting direction between the location generator 837 to 840 (up/down counting) controllably.

If rotation is image substantially, just a part that is used for rotation processing can be inserted in pipeline (pipeline) mode, and be finished address control.By forming and storing through rotating the image that basic image obtains for the basic image before the pictorial data transmission by a certain amount of 90 ° of angles, the pictorial data that comprises rotated image just can high-speed transfer.

Although the basic picture block of block counter 841 counting, (Xout Yout) is sent, and the present invention is not limited to this to make the size of whole image.If Xout and Yout are not respectively the product of Xb and Yb, Xout and Yout can not be only defined by the counting of piece number so.Correspondingly, use following equation: remaining pixel Xr=Xout-Nx * Xb, Nx=INT (Xout/Xb)-1 obtains the comparison between the multiplicity Nx herein, and remaining be the comparison of " 0 " pixel Xr.As a result, can distinguish the number of picture elements of printing and whether reach Xout.Aforesaid operation in the Y direction can similarly provide.

If the print speed of printhead is slow and image output clock is also slow, then can realize above-mentioned address format by a software processes.Especially, shown in Figure 25, the part of structure can be replaced by software, and by adopting software, can make the part of memory become a counter.

Although the pictorial data that this embodiment will be sent to printhead forms by raster format and depends on the variation of the map data structure of printhead and finished by Guang Shan @BJ switching controller 506 (seeing Figure 17), the present invention is not limited to this.Structure by the structure of the pictorial data of image memory 505 storage and the pictorial data that will be transferred to printhead can be identical.If they are different, to will definitely under the situation of head driver output, finishing of print head structure.

Printer P according to this embodiment has a kind of physical construction, and the printhead that has both covered the print area with Y direction width Hy is scanned at directions X, shown in 28.

In these cases, the

Y address generator

838 and 840 in the Y direction of the address control section of FM controller 504 can be made up of two-layer configuration, and they are made up of counter (with a comparer) and a counter (with a comparer) that is used for row count pulse carry of the value counting of Hy a term.

In addition, can read and export and have one at the Hy of Y direction width with at the image of the Xout unit (being called " tape cell ") of directions X.In the case, the high bit counter of Y address generator 838 and Y address generator 840 can be ignored on the Y direction, and they also can be only by counting (counter of Hy is formed) than low level.Especially, when image is exported in tape cell, CPU102A just can load Y direction definition the address (at the Y address of the pictorial data of the stem of the tape cell that will print to the Hy counter. and the counting increment is operated and can be begun in this position.

(3,4) load translation data and parameter down

Device according to this embodiment is operated according to flow process shown in Figure 29, so that be loaded in the conversion table under the translation data, or be used for the various parameters of being set by main frame H or operation 103 are stored relevant register by each switching controller.Below these operations will be described.The program that is used for finishing above-mentioned operation is stored in by the contained ROM102B of control panel 102, and has CPU102A to carry out.

When designed system energising according to said method, printer P carries out initialization at step SP1.In this initialization procedure, the conversion table 509,511 and 513 of corresponding print colors also is initialised.

In next step SP2, can distinguish main frame H or operation 103 whether the indication that will carry out a test printing operation is provided.If test printing is designated, in step SP3, carry out the test printing operation.In the case, before printing was carried out, signal was selected in transmission, makes selector switch that the data that provided by scale-of-two PG controller 517 are provided as described in Figure 29.

If not designated from the test printing of main frame or operation 103, flow process proceeds to step SP4, makes whether data have been received by gpib interface 501 and whether in the judgement of waiting for Data Receiving at this.If data are received, flow performing step SP4, it judges whether the data that receive are pictorial data or conversion table data or parameter.Be positioned at the control command that is received pictorial data stem position by explanation, judge whether it is pictorial data.If the data that received are the data that are used for conversion table or parameter, just add that identification data is to indicate print colors, conversion table and the performed control of data that provides will be provided.

If the differentiation of making is that the data that received are pictorial data, flow performing is to step SP7, and this step carries out according to indicated image quality and carries out print procedure.

If the differentiation of making is, the data that received are to be used for conversion table or parameter, and flow performing is to step SP6, and this step is explained steering order, in order to differentiate color, conversion table and the parameter of record.In step SP8, in the conversion table that the switching controller or the CPU of the data based judged result of acceptance by correspondence is stored in register.

Be provided with by main frame H or operation 103 and receive breath etc. and can on the display of operation 103, show.Figure 30 has provided the example of the display of finishing like this.As shown in figure 30, display 103D shows the length of the printing portion of cloth 6, the whole length and the amount of feeding of cloth 6.Quantity of parameters and also shown certainly by mode with the operating key setting of main frame H or operation 103.With reference to Figure 30, reference number 103E represents the pilot lamp of various

mistakes.Reference number

103A and 103B represent a stop key and a rapid stop key respectively, and they are used for selecting or wherein print image is continuous a kind of mode that stops, or the stop mode of a kind of wherein print image for not continuing.

(4) other examples of structure

Aforesaid embodiment has such design, main frame H provides the pictorial data that forms with the toning data form to printer P, and printer P is arranged according to by using the color data of changing according to the toning conversion table, use color C, M, Y, BK and special color S1 to S4 to carry out printing.Also will describe another example, wherein provide pictorial data for printer P as R, G and B brightness by main frame H.

Although this embodiment is substantially similar to the design of aforementioned system, image memory 505 shown in Figure 17 does not store the pictorial data that forms by toning data, but the pictorial data that storage is represented by R, G brightness.That is to say that structure shown in Figure 180 is replaced by structure shown in Figure 31.

Figure 31 has provided an image processing procedure that is used for R, G are become with the B conversion of signals C, M, Y and BK signal or generation special color signal S1 to S4.

This embodiment has a kind of design, just is that main frame sends the color diagram image data to printer P as R.G. and B signal.Printer receives pictorial data R, G and B by interface.CPU102A controls visual processing section, print head driver 24, motor driver 23 and is installed in the timing of each several part in the similar device on the control panel 102, realizes the control to above-mentioned each stage.Consequently, blue or green blue C, dark red M, yellow Y, black BK, if selected, the ink that also has special color S1 to S4 is with regard to directive cloth 6.Therefore, form and export color image.

In Figure 31, provide considering in the spectral characteristic and dynamic range of image, import more positive part 632 by

controller

504,, 506 and 507 convert pictorial data (brightness data) R, the G and the B that have image memory 505 to provide to normal brightness data R ', G ' and B ', (for example R of color TV TSC-system, G and B.Density conversion portion 633 converts normal brightness data R ', G ' and B ' to density data C, M and Y, and its method is to adopt such as the non-linear conversion to number conversion.Background color shifts out part 634 and black generation part 635 are finished low look from density data C, M and Y, UCR amount β and quantity of ink δ according to following formula the generation with black of shifting out:

C(1)＝C-β×MIN(C，M，Y)

M(1)＝M-β×MIN(C，M，Y)

Y(1)＝Y-β×MIN(C，M，Y)

K(1)＝δ×MIN(C，M，Y)

Then, masked segment 836 is just corrected the unnecessary absorption characteristic of C (1), the M (1) and Y (1) ink that have shifted out background color, and they follow following formula:

C(2)＝A11×C(1)+A12×M(1)+A13×Y(1)

M(2)＝A21×C(1)+A22×M(1)+A23×Y(1)

Y(2)＝A31×C(1)+A32×M(1)+A33×Y(1)

Wherein Aij (ij=1 to 3) is a shielding factor.

Then, γ conversion portion 637 converts C (2), M (2), Y (2) and BK (1) to C (3), M (3), Y (3) and BK (3), and each in them is sent to through output γ adjusts (being modified to linearity with China ink according to each signal C (3), M (3), Y (3) and BK (3)).

Printhead according to this embodiment of the present invention is a binary dump device, and it has two states, ink-jet under a state, not ink-jet under another state.Therefore, 638 couples of multi-value data C of binary coding part (3), M (3), Y (3) and BK (3) carry out binary coding and become C ", M ', Y ' and BK, make each form pseudo-gradient.Then, the result of conversion is sent to the circuit of Figure 19.

And, present embodiment has a color detection means 631, be used for the generation instruction, afterwards, carry out and print in predetermined R, G, B scope (correcting R ', G ', the B ' that part 632 provides) that the particular color that is sent by CPU102A specifies corresponding particular color S1-S4 to replace in the chromatic diagram from importing.This instruction is sent to the γ conversion portion as signal S.The color signal S1 (3) that 637 outputs of γ conversion portion are correct arrives S4 (3), and they carry out binary coding by binary coding part 638 then, to produce signal S1 ' to S4 '.

Figure 32 has provided the example of the particular color assignment procedure that will be carried out by main frame H.Disposal route according to present embodiment is carried out in principle by this way, stipulated hope chromaticity range to color R, G and B, and determined desirable scope on the chromatic diagram, and the color that is substituted in the aforementioned range to be comprised with the particular color of wishing.

In this process, the processing procedure among the step SS7-1 to SS7-7 shown in Figure 4 is finished in advance.If the printhead of a desired color is provided, whether the color of the original image data that shows on the differentiation CRT1026 in step SS7-11 is directly stipulated.If made sure differentiation, just this appointment of input in step SS7-13.Process advances to step SS7-15, determines whether the appointment of making is transfused to.Be transfused to each the transition width of in step SS7-17, waiting among color R, G and the B and be set at special color if specify.In appointment, each minimum transition width and the maximum transition width of color R, G and B are all set.In next step SS7-19, select the special color of wishing.If selected special color S1 to S4, just can use the symbol (figures) of distributing to S1 to S4 to specify them.

After transition width and special color have been specified, just can in step SS7-21, finish the setting of printer P.Following command format can be used on first order＜WCOL-OR〉afterwards:

"＜Rmin 〉,＜Rmax 〉,＜Gmin〉and,＜Gmax 〉,＜Bmin〉and,＜Bmax〉and＜byte〉" these order meanings are, specify special color to be used for data by the chromatic diagram scope of following relational expression definition by "＜bute〉":

Rmin≤R≤Rmax, Gmin＜G＜Gmax and Bmin＜B＜Bmax

If made negative judged result in step SS7-11, flow process then advances to step SS7-23, and whether this step differentiation utilizes color model table to specify on the employed CRT screen by the computing machine with color drawing function and change relevant color.If the differentiation of making is sure, color table then obtains specifying in step SS7-25.In next step SS7-15, carry out above-mentioned operation.

Whether if fixed judging whether of making of step SS7-23, then flow process proceeds among the step SS7-27, differentiate with respect to the colouring information of conversion in this step and specify by key.If it is sure differentiating, then enter key is used in request.Flow process forwards step SS7-15 to.If the differentiation of making in SS7-27 negates, just used the special color that is using certainly by printer P, process is accomplished at this.

Execution has as shown in figure 33 structure by the circuit of color detection part 631 among the printer P of the processing of main frame H appointment.

In Figure 33, the data by main frame H transmits are set to comparator circuit 641 by CPU102A, and it is made of register and comparer etc.When comparator circuit 641 received from the signal R ', the G ' that import retouch 632 and B ', it compared signal R ', G ' and B ' with the various signals that the front has been provided with.Then, comparator circuit 641 transmits signal alpha; If result relatively is included among the appointed area, this signal is " 0 "; If the result is not included in the zone of appointment, this signal is made as " 1 ".Signal alpha is provided for density conversion portion 633 and special color generation circuit 643.If α=0, density conversion portion 633 do not produce C, M and the Y-signal relevant with B ' with R ', G '.

R ', G ' and B ' signal also offer in the luminance signal generation circuit 645.Luminance signal generation circuit 645 carries out the calculating as (R '+G '+B ')/3, and result of calculation is passed to special color signal generation circuit 643, even make circuit 643 in the scope that will be replaced by special color, also can produce the color data of the density that will be replicated.Selector switch 647 has aforementioned order＜byte by the CPU102A basis〉conversion is assigned to the specific colored circuit 643 that takes place, thus the use particular color.Therefore, when the α that is provided by comparator circuit 641 was " 0 ", particular color signal generating circuit 643 was the particular color generation data S by selector switch 647 appointments, the luminance signal that its density provides corresponding to luminance signal generation circuit 645.

Mix mutually with Y if wish particular color C, M, according to the data＜byte of present embodiment〉just increase, and by comparator circuit 641 produce with decide scope be from α=0 to α=data of 1 mixture ratio.α=0 expression is set at the particular color of only using appointment, and α=1 expression is only with C, M and Y.

Figure 34 has provided another example of being finished the special color designated treatment by main frame H.This process has such design, promptly specifies in the specific region of original image data, prints this scope with the special color of wishing.

This process also has such design, the operation of both first execution in step SS7-1 to SS7-7.When loading onto desirable special color printhead, in the input of step SS7-41 request coordinate data, this coordinate data indication desirable zone on raw image.If in step SS7-43, import certainly, just in step SS7-45, select special color.In step SS7-47, the data in desired zone and special color specific data just are notified to printer P.Can be by row's command format in this mode, at identification code＜WAREA〉afterwards, the subsequent commands that with X and Y coordinates is unit can be used, its condition is that desirable zone is to provide by following angle sign format: "＜X1 〉;＜Y1 〉,＜X2〉and,＜Y2 〉;＜X3 〉,＜Y3〉and＜byte〉" herein＜byte〉be one to be similar to the special color specific data of previous example.

Treatment circuit in the printer P that carries out aforementioned processing can comprise color detection part shown in Figure 31, and range detection partly can be the structure described in Figure 35.

In Figure 35, relevant transmit the data of passing the required zone of coming from main frame H and be set to regional signal generator 651, it can be made of a register, comparer and other parts.When regional signal generator 651 received visual address by cpu bus, visual address just compared with each value that the front has been provided with.Regional signal generator 651 generates signal alpha; If address packet is contained in the setting range, α becomes " 0 "; If the zone is not included in this scope, this signal alpha becomes " 1 ".Signal alpha is sent to density conversion portion 633 and special color signal generation circuit 643.If α=0, density conversion portion 633 does not produce signal C, M and Y, and regional signal generator 651 can be used for producing the data in order to the composite rate of decision C, M and Y and special color.

The structure of special color generation circuit 653, luminance signal generation circuit 655 and selector switch 657 can be with the part 643,645 shown in Figure 33 and 647 identical.Special color signal circuit 653 produces special color data S, and this S is a signal alpha in regional signal generator 651 transmission during for " 0 ", by selector switch 657 with specified corresponding to the density of the luminance signal that provides by luminance signal generation circuit 655.

Can handle by a kind of like this mode with reference to figure 4,32 and 34 described special color assignment procedures, any process all begins with the structure that is suitable for printer P, and just the information that provides according to printer P is started working.Disposal route instead if printer has the circuit that can finish arbitrary processing, just can begin according to user's requirement to handle.

In the various embodiments described above, term " special color " refers to metallochrome (metal color), cerise, green blue look, purple, orange colour or the like, they are reproducible or be not easy to be duplicated by Y, M and C (they often use by color printer) not, and above-mentioned color adopts the private print head to handle.Special color according to the present invention can be a kind of like this color, and it need use a large amount of addition record mediators to amplify mixing; Its use amount is restricted, although be this kind look reproducible or can be by Y, M and C and other the generation that is mixed for its reason, its use is frequent.In addition, this special color can be a kind of like this color, and it can be mixed or produced by mixing mutually between special color by Y, M or C and special color.

Although duplicate the color of designer's selection exactly is to realize by produce toning data in the embodiment shown in Fig. 9 and 10, but still can adopt this method, thereby that is transmit R, G and B signal by finishing duplicating of satisfied color by correction shown in Figure 9 and selection shown in Figure 10, the luminance signal of R herein, G and B passes to printer P by main frame H.

(5) others

Image autput device (printer) according to the present invention's design is not limited to inkjet printing methods, and it can be used for many Method of printings.If use inkjet printing methods, can from or printing device printhead obtain extraordinary effect, this printing equipment comprises and is used to produce heat energy as the device (such as the electrothermal conversioning part of laser beam transmitter) of ink-jet energy that it is suitable for causing the method that the ink state changes by heat energy.Aforesaid method can write down high density and accurate image.

As typical structure and principle, preferably utilize to be disclosed in the basic structure in 723,129 or 4,740,796 such as U.S. patent No.4.Above-mentioned method both had been applicable to that so-called request formula (on-demand) device also can be used for the continuous type device.Especially, when the request of use formula device, can obtain satisfied effect, so its reason is being set up this structure with a kind of like this mode, one or more drive signals are arranged, they are the temperature of the electrothermal transducer installed to a sheet (sheet) or liquid (ink) passage of elevation surface rapidly, this fluid passage keeps liquid (ink) to have the taller temperature of temperature of seething with excitement than the center, this drive signal is sent to electrothermal transducer, so that in electrothermal transducer, produce heat energy, cause the surface heating effects of the printhead that surface boiling takes place, thereby in liquid (ink), form and the consistent corresponding bubble of described one or more drive signals.Thereby the amplification/contraction of bubble will make liquid by the one or more ink droplets of injection orifice ejection formation.If use the drive signal of pulse type, bubble just can suitably amplify immediately/dwindle, thereby produces better effect because of liquid can spray during presenting fabulous responsiveness.Good especially is, has used U.S. patent No.4, the pulse drive signal in 463,359 or 4,435,262.If use relevant heat to imitate the U.S. patent No.4 of the invention of surperficial rate of rise in temperature, 313,124 technology just can obtain gratifying record result.

As the printhead in the aforementioned invention and injection orifice, fluid path are arranged and the replacement of the structure (linear fluid passage or vertical fluid passage) of electrothermal transducer combination, can one use in the bending scope, be provided with as United States Patent (USP) the 4th, 558,333 or 4, the 459600 disclosed such structures in thermal effect surface.In addition, also can use following structure: the structure among the Japanese patent application publication No. 59-123670, it forms the discharge unit that a shared otch is used as a plurality of electrothermal transducers; Another kind of structure such as Japanese patent application publication No. 59-138461, it has and is used to absorb heat energy pressure wave opening, with corresponding to giving off part.That is to say according to the present invention,, all can accurate two effectively finish print record no matter the type of printhead why.

The present invention can be applicable to effectively that its length can cover the full line type printhead of the recording medium width of the maximum that pen recorder can write down.As the printhead of aforementioned type, the structure of the length that a plurality of printheads combine can be arranged or an independent integrated printhead is arranged.Structure, and aforesaid anyly all can use.

In addition, the present invention also can adapt to aforesaid serial print head effectively, can use chip-shaped (chip type) printhead: it can be connected to electric signal on the apparatus main body, or when being fastened to it on the device, from then on apparatus main body is delivered to and is sent ink, and the available printhead that has a print cartridge and printhead to integrate.

In order to make effect of the present invention more reliable, preferably additionally adopt print head recovery device and servicing unit as assembly of the present invention.Especially, preferably adopt the printhead capping device, clean method, compression or aspirator, electrothermal transducer, other heating element or these devices in conjunction with constituting assisted heating device and secondary injection pattern, under this pattern, for executive logging operation stably, spray and be independent of record output ground execution.

Although in every kind of embodiment of the present invention, adopt liquid ink, because aforesaid ink jet recording method is design in this way usually: the temperature of ink is controlled in 30 ℃ or higher to 70 ℃ or lower scope, so that make the viscosity of ink be in the scope of stable output, so also can adopt at room temperature or more sclerosis and the ink of deliquescing at room temperature under the low temperature, or at room temperature be the ink of liquid, maybe when tracer signal is provided and become the ink of liquid.In addition, following several inks are applicable to the present invention: when the response record signal provided heat energy, ink was by fluidization, so that discharge with the liquid ink form; The example of above-mentioned ink comprises: can utilize energy state to change to liquid temperature and rise from solid-state, the ink of the rising of the ink temperature that causes owing to providing of heat is provided forward; Be the ink that prevents that evaporation of ink is cured.In addition, the ink that liquefies earlier before heat energy is provided also is suitable for the present invention.Under aforesaid situation, ink can be used as a kind of the liquid or solid material remain in the micropore of permeable synusia or one in the face of among the through hole of electrothermal transducer position, as disclosed in the Japanese patent application publication No. 60-71260.With regard to ink, be most to adopt aforementioned film boiling process.

Can be for having the copier that reader etc. is formed according to ink-jet recording apparatus of the present invention, or have the facsimile equipment of transmissions/receiving function, and the terminal device of exporting as the image of computing machine or similar devices.

The cloth that is used for inkjet printer operation must satisfy following requirement: (1) this cloth can obtain enough dense color from ink.(2) this cloth can make ink demonstrate higher colorability.(3) this cloth can make ink dry very soon.(4) can prevent the irregular seepage flow of ink satisfactorily with it.(5) this cloth can easily transmit in equipment.

If necessary, for satisfying above-mentioned requirements, carry out pre-service to cloth.For example, United States Patent (USP) 4,725,849 have provided a kind of cloth that ink receiving layer is arranged.Japanese patent application publication No. 3-46589 provides a kind of cloth that contains anti-reductive agent or alkaline matter.The example of pre-service engineering contains one group that constitutes from alkaline matter, water-soluble polymers, synthetic polymer, water-soluble metal salt, urea and thiocarbamide as, cloth to be selected.

The example of alkaline matter is such as NaOH and potassium hydroxide; Amine such as one, two, the triethanolamine; Carbonic acid alkali metal salt and acid carbonic acid alkali metal salt such as sodium carbonate, sal tartari and sodium bicarbonate; The compound that also has ammonia and ammonia.In addition, used vapour and under the condition of drying, use sodium trichloroacetate.As alkaline matter,, use sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate relatively good for reflection dyeing drying means.

The example of water-soluble polymers is the starch such as corn and flour class; Cellulose such as carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose; Such as Sodium Alginate, gum arabic, Sweet bean natural gum, yellow work glue, polysaccharide such as guar gum and tamarind; And the protein of gelatin and casein class; Also has natural water-soluble copolymer such as tannic acid and lignin.

The example of synthetic polymer is the water-soluble polymers of polyvinyl alcohol compound, polyethylene oxide, acrylic compounds water-soluble polymers and maleic anhydride and so on.Use polysaccharide polymer or cellulosic polymer better.

Water-soluble metal salt has, and all alkaline metal and alkaline-earth halides that if can form typical ionic crystal, its pH value are 4～10, alkali metal salt has NaCl, Na ₂SO ₄, KCl, CH ₃COONa; Alkali salt has CaCl ₂And MgCl ₂Use Na, K or Ca salt relatively good.

To making the method that cloth contains above-mentioned substance not have what particular restriction, the method that these methods can be dyed, apply and spray by bubble realizes.

Because the China ink that will be printed on the inkjet printing cloth during ink supply is adhered thereon simply, preferably sends to and carries out reaction treatment (decoration method) subsequently, in this process dyestuff is bonded on the fiber.Reflection fixed bit process can be known steaming process, HT steam method and heat fixation method.If cloth had not before carried out basic treatment, just use alkaline cuisine steam method, alkaline spot steaming process, alkaline ballistic method or alkaline cold fixation.

After having finished with front said reaction fixation process, in processing, can remove the material that is used for removing unreacted pigment with known clean method.Be preferably in and finish conventional fixation process when carrying out aforesaid cleaning course.

(second kind of embodiment)

Second embodiment of the present invention, we carry out concrete description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 36 is a calcspar, and the principle and the basic structure of printer is described, it is the embodiment according to an image output device of not inventing.

In Figure 36, label 201 expression external units are as transmitting the principal computer of pictorial data and various command etc. to the printer 202 according to this embodiment.Printer 202 mainly comprises: interface unit 203 is used for controlling with external unit 201 and carries out communicating by letter of data and order etc.; Control module 204 (mainly comprise a CPU, deposit the ROM of program, be used for RAM and the peripherals such as the input/output end port etc. of work) is used for the operation of The whole control printer 202; Demonstration/control module 205 (comprising a display unit, as LCD and an operating unit, as bond switching) is used to set up the interface with operating personnel; Storer 209 (comprising a semiconductor memory, as D-RAM and S-RAM) is used for the memory image data; Storage control unit 206 (comprises parameter storage element 207, is used to store the parameter that demonstration/control module 205 is sent here; An address control unit 208 is with the read/write address that generates storer 209), be used to control read-write operation to storer 209; Motor driver 210 is used to control the rotation of various motors; Support motor 211 is as the power source of traversing carriage unit 214; Transmit the power source of motor 212 as movable recording media (as paper) 228; Printhead 215 is used for the injection record ink; Head driver 213 is used for response diagram picture signals operation printhead.

Figure 37 is the skeleton view according to printer 202 recording sections of present embodiment.

Carrier unit 214 has a removable support 202 that comprises printhead 215.When support motor 211 rotates, the direction back and forth movement that carrier unit 214 indicates along arrow X1 (turning right) and X2 (turning left).Carrier unit 214 is supported, and its glide direction (X1 and X2) is supported that by circular support axle 223 and support frame 224 limits.Support motor 211 rotates forward or backwards by the direction that arrow R1 and R2 indicate, moves on both direction thereby drive carrier unit 214.Being equipped with one between two pulleys 225 and the pulley 226 is synchronous belt 222, and belt is fixed on the carrier unit 214.Owing to the pulley 225 in two

pulleys

225 and 226 is to be fastened on the rotation axis of support motor 211, therefore, when 211 rotations of support motor, carrier unit 214 is by transmission.

Label 221 representatives are used to detect the scrambler of carrier unit 214 positions.Be included in sensor (not marking among the figure) read-out encoder 221 of scrambler 221 in the carrier unit 214, thereby can detect the current location of carrier unit 214.Origin position (below be called " HP ") is indicated the terminal position (direction left) of direction exactly along X2, delivery unit 214 is waited for herein.HP sensor (not shown) is arranged at the position near HP, and the HP sensor can be by constituting such as a photoswitch (photo-interrupter), in order to whether to measure carrier unit 214 just in time at origin position.Label 227 expression conveying rollers are used for the such recording medium of conveyance of sheets, and conveying roller 227 is fastened on the rotation axis that transmits motor 212, are close together with recording chart 228 as recording medium.Cable 229 is sent into picture intelligence in the printhead 215 that comprises in the support 220 through carrier unit 214.In addition, printer 202 has a device (not marking among the figure) that is used to provide recording medium.

Below with reference to Figure 36 and Figure 37 the course of work according to the printer 202 of this embodiment is described.

After printer 202 energisings, control module 204 is checked circumstance of initialization, perhaps RAM of deinitialization and output/importation (not marking among the figure), memory control unit 206, various hardware such as storer 209, demonstration/control module 205, interface unit 203.So mechanical part has been initialised.Particularly, transmission motor 212, support motor 211 and recovery motor (not marking among the figure) are started to be drawn off owing to paper stops up the paper 228 that stops, and similar situation, or carrier unit 214 is moved to origin position HP.Further, recovering mechanism's (the peripheral mechanism of printhead 215 is used for preventing that printhead 215 from blocking) is started and is used for discharging and to suck ink forcibly.

Control module 204 makes that the interface between interface unit 203 and the external unit 201 is effective, and demonstrates such information such as " READY " on demonstration/operating unit 205, finishes to show operation preliminary work.In this state, control module 204 is waited for the input from external unit 201, and from the input of demonstration/control module 205, and monitors the generation of various mistakes.

When a key on adopting demonstrations/operating unit 205 produced input, 205 execution of control module 204 order demonstration/operating units once showed or various parameters (deposit in working storage RAM or with it deposit in the parameter storage unit 207 parameter) are set.So the input of being made by operating unit obtains handling.When input be by external unit 201 when interface unit 203 is sent into, control module 204 distinguish send into be the instruction or pictorial data.If what imported is an instruction, control module 204 will be provided with various coefficients according to this instruction.If input is pictorial data, control module 204 is arranged to input pattern with memory control unit 206, and the pictorial data that will import of giving an order deposits in the storer 209.

For example, the pictorial data that is provided by external unit 201 is repeatedly exported or in the time specifying according to the order that external unit 201 provides all pictorial data that output will be printed.

Especially, when input image data, external unit 201 is sent to input imagery size (Xin, Yin) in the printer 202 with the form of an order and a parameter.Therefore, printer 202 is preserved input area and the size of input imagery is existed in the parameter storage portions 207 of work RAM and control module 204 in memory 209.When external unit 201 was sequentially delivered to pictorial data in the printer 202, printer 202 received pictorial data, by storage control module 206 it was stored in the memory 209.When the input of the pictorial data of preliminary dimension had been finished, external unit 201 was sent to the pictorial data output format in the printer 202.Therefore, printer 202 is stored in visual output format in the parameter storage zone 207 of work RAM and control module 204.In the present embodiment, the use of visual output format shown in Figure 24 is similar to first embodiment.

Because the print pattern of basic image identical with according to first embodiment will not be given unnecessary details herein.In addition, the inner structure of memory control module 206 and first kind of embodiment's shown in Figure 25 is identical.

(the third embodiment)

Figure 38 is a block diagram, and it has described the functional structure according to the image processing system of the 3rd embodiment.Label 710 is represented a reader that is used to read the image of source document, and converts thereof into pictorial data.Memory that is used to store the source document of reading by reader 710 of label 711 expressions.Label 712 has provided a counter of writing that is used for determining the storage address when depositing pictorial data in memory 711.Label 713 has provided one and has been used for the memory control module that controller is write counter 712 and read counter 714.Label 714 has provided read counter, is used for pictorial data specified data when memory 711 is sent to printer 715 is being read the address.Label 715 expression printers, the data that are used for reading from memory 711 are recorded in recording medium.Label 716 one of expression are provided with the unit, are used for order and want the image region of image repetition and be used for being provided with the picture record position and the repetitive mode (rotation and mirror image etc.) that will carry out image repetition (master record paper) on recording chart.

Figure 39 has illustrated the structure of the reader 710 that provides by the present invention by graphic mode.A CCD unit that label 780 expressions are made of a CCD (it is one and reads parts) and a light lens etc.After reading delegation's original text, the surface of CCD unit 780 scanning reader main sweep guide rails 782 is so that it moves forward delegation on the sub-scanning guide rail of reader.Next next line is read in CCD unit 780.This process is carried out repeatedly, and CCD unit 780 reads in textual content.

Figure 40 is the graphic extension that is used for describing according to the printer 715 of this embodiment.Image processing system according to the printer 715 of present embodiment has an ink jet-print head.Printhead 901-904 is respectively blue or green blue look, peony, yellow and black, and (back is used " C " respectively, " M " " Y " and " BK " represent), cause that through main scan motor 792 printhead scans on main sweep guide rail 793, thereby on recording chart 720, print a row image that reads in content by reader 781.Printed after the delegation, transmitted motor 791 transmits recording chart 720 delegation along auxiliary scanning direction distance by paper.Aforementioned repeatedly this process, image just is printed.

Utilize such structure arranged, follow-up instruction is finished by unit 716 is set.Shown in Figure 41 B, specified Q (X ₃, Y ₃) point, make image repeat point from Q.In addition, the number of times that repeats of image decides in the mode of the number of times of the number of times of specifying main scanning direction and auxiliary scanning direction.For example,, under this situation of having made instruction, on main scanning direction, 3 repetitive operations to be carried out, on auxiliary scanning direction, a repetitive operation will be carried out by the repeatable position of dashed rectangle 102,103 and 104 appointed areas 1.

At last, visual repetition methods is designated.According to this embodiment, mapping of the instruction of half-twist and mirror image image and similar instruction all can, for instance, wait by Menu Frame and selector button and to finish.After aforesaid information is finished and is provided with, all deposit memory control unit 713 in.

After above-mentioned setting is finished, started according to the image processing system of present embodiment.As a result, reader 710 reads in original image data, is deposited in storer 711 simultaneously.Writing counter 712 will exist the storer 711 with serial mode from the data that reader 710 provides, and the formal transformation of data is become raster mode.

When the pictorial data in the memory read 711, the addressing of memory control unit 713 control read counters 714 is carried out image and is repeated.The pictorial data that addressing is read is printed by printer 715.In the position of specifying image to repeat, the address of pictorial data read counter is set to the address of the image region that will carry out the image repetition.Read counter 711 comprises an X counter and a Y counter, in order to the address by current X and Y coordinates order.Therefore, by operation X and Y counter, generate and read in the address, thereby reach with visual half-twist or as the result of mirror to image reading.For example, by the content of X counter and Y counter is exchanged, and the X counter is arranged to downward counter, so just can obtain the image of half-twist.As long as the X counter is arranged to downward counter, just can obtain the image of mirror to mapping.

Figure 42 is an example carrying out print procedure, and its mode is that when image was rotated 90 °, figure carries out image to be repeated.Does not rotate in zone 1 shown in Figure 42 A.The state of zone 2 expressions among Figure 42 B is that image is after reading the pictorial data in zone 1 from storer 711, through addressing mode image have been rotated 90 °, prints again.The state of zone 3 expression among Figure 42 C is, the image in zone 1, is read and printed its Rotate 180 ° through addressing mode.

Figure 43 illustrates an example, and this example is that image is carried out the situation that the image of mirror after mapping repeats.Zone 1 among Figure 43 A is a raw image.The state of zone 2 expressions among Figure 43 B is that the image in zone 1 is read from memory 711 through addressing and obtained the image of mirror to mapping.The states of zone 3 expressions are that image is read from storer 711, and is similar to regional 1 ground and is printed among Figure 43 C.

As Figure 42 and shown in Figure 43, when diagram repeated, that reads the address from storer 711 repeated all differently at every turn, makes that having the satisfied visual repeat function that changes can be achieved.

Though the 3rd embodiment comprises the image processing system of having introduced ink jet-print head, the invention of being introduced is not limited in this.For example, this invention is also applicable to page printer, as laser beam printer.

(the 4th kind of embodiment)

Figure 44 is the graphic extension of a block form, and it illustrates the structure according to the image processing system of the 4th kind of embodiment.The image that computing machine is provided according to the image processing system of the 4th embodiment carries out image to be repeated.Label 711 is storeies of a memory image, and these are data from principal computer 740.Label 742 is the serial scan printers according to present embodiment, and this printer 742 has one, for example, is similar to the 3rd embodiment ink jet-print head.Line storage 741 represents one to deposit delegation in and just cause printer 742 to carry out single pass operation, thereby prints the storer of an image.Carrying out control by read counter 714 causes the pictorial data in the storer 711 is read in the line storage 741.Deposited the pictorial data of delegation in storer 741 after, data are sent to printer 742.So, the operation of printer 742 opening entries.

Similar to the operation of the 3rd embodiment, starting position, the number of times of repetition and the method for repetition etc. that the image region that image repeats, image repeat all are deposited in the memory control unit 713 and are provided with.

Repeat (every half-twist is carried out once and repeated) if carry out image resembling among Figure 42 C, the image in the zone 1 is fed in the line storage 741.So, so control read counter 714, make that image is the image behind the half-twist, is fed to simultaneously in the line storage 741 and goes.As the 3rd embodiment is described, thereby can carry out the control of read counter 714 by handling X counter and Y counter.As mentioned above, image is rotated once every 90 °, and is transmitted to line storage 741.After the data aggregation of delegation is got up, just begin to print operation.Structure is set in such a manner, read data from line storage 741 or the write data that is sent in the line storage 741 can be carried out independently, during data in reading line storage 741 and the data of printing, can write the pictorial data of next line to line storage.Therefore, make printer 742 always carry out print job always.Thereby print speed can improve.

(the 5th kind of embodiment)

Figure 45 is the image processing system explanation diagram according to the 5th embodiment.The 5th embodiment has only a line storage 751, is used to deposit in the pictorial data of delegation, and the image that provides from principal computer 740 carries out the image repetition.If be printed as an image among Figure 42 C, the image that comes from zone 1 shown in Figure 42 A of principal computer 740 is written in the line storage 751.Same image is from principal computer 740 transmission, owing to write the address control operation that counter 712 is carried out, after having rotated 90 °, image is written in the line storage 751.So delegation is rotated 90 ° image and is written in the line storage.After the pictorial data of delegation collects, begin to print operation.So if the visual delegation shown in Figure 42 C repeats 3 times, the image that is repeated also must be transmitted 3 times.

Owing to compare with the speed that writes data to line storage 751, the communication speed that principal computer transmits pictorial data is very slow, and a pixel data item of a transfer operation can be deposited in the address in a plurality of addresses of line storage.Therefore, between a transmission period,, can finish writing to more than 751 parts of line storage by the visual repeat patterns of the address control that writes counter 712 execution according to the image that will be repeated that sends at principal computer 740.Therefore, aforesaid method can be only transmits by a pictorial data, and the pictorial data of delegation is collected in line storage.

In various inkjet printing methods, the present invention second that we introduce will produce outstanding effect to the 5th kind of embodiment, have the printhead that utilizes heat energy formation drop ejection-type or printing equipment when finishing recording operation in employing, can obtain this effect.

For typical structure and principle, be preferably to adopt and be disclosed in, U.S. patent No.4 for example, the basic structure in 731,29 or 4,740,796.Said method is also applicable to so-called direct demand (on-demand) type device and continuous type device.Especially, when using direct demand type device, can obtain satisfied effect, because this structure is arranged in such a way, be that one or more drive signals are given electrothermal transducer, raise the rapidly temperature of electrothermal transducer of drive signal, this converter is in the face of a sheet or a fluid passage setting, this fluid passage remains on liquid (ink) temperature the degree that is higher than the generative center boiling, so that in electrothermal transducer, produce heat energy, thereby make the hot face generation film boiling of printhead, in liquid (ink), form bubble corresponding to these one or more drive signals.The expansion/contraction of bubble causes that liquid (ink) is through the injection orifice ejection, so formed one or more ink dots.If adopt the drive signal of a pulse type, can be at once and suitably expansion/contraction at bubble, thus obtain further good result, because liquid (ink) can spray, thereby present the responsiveness of high-quality.

Preferably adopt at U.S. patent No.4 the pulse drive signal that discloses in 463,359 and 4,345,265.If various states is used at U.S. patent No.4, the condition that discloses in 313,124 will obtain gratifying record result.This patent be one about invention at the rising ratio of heating effect surface temperature.

As the print head structure (the vertical fluid path of linear fluid path) in above-mentioned each invention, it has injection orifice, what fluid path and electrothermal transducer combined substitutes, can use as U.S. patent No.4,558,333 or 4,459, the 600 disclosed such structures of the thermal effect face that in the deflection scope, is provided with.

In addition, can also use following structure: with the spout part of a public otch as a plurality of electrothermal transducers, this structure discloses in Japanese patent application publication No. 59-123670; In Japanese patent application publication No. 59-138461, be provided with an opening that absorbs the heat energy pressure wave with respect to spout part.

As the printhead of all fronts (ffull-line) type, the width of the dominant record medium that its length can topped pen recorder can write down.This structure can be used the combination of a plurality of printheads, perhaps has only the printhead of an integrated form, and foregoing various explanations can be adopted.

A kind of printhead of chip type can get up with the device main body electrical ties, perhaps is fixed together when itself and device main body, can provide ink to it from main body.Further, also can use the support printhead that has the print cartridge that is integrally formed in printhead.

Preferably additionally use print head recovery device and some servicing units ingredient as the item invention, like this, the present invention can further stablize.Particularly point out, preferably re-use printhead capping device, cleaning device, extruding or aspirator, electrothermal transducer, other heating element or assisted heating device, these are combined constitute, under the secondary injection pattern, can be independent of to print and spray and the execution injection, thus the stability of enhancing printing.

Pen recorder can be assembled into the image that can write down combined colors, and they comprise the mix full-colour image that obtains or by being formed integrally as printhead or making up a plurality of printheads and only print mass-tone image as black of the combination color image of different colours or shades of colour.

Though what use among the various embodiment of the invention of being introduced is liquid ink, but under chamber or lower slightly temperature, ink both may be hardened, also may at room temperature be softened, perhaps at room temperature be liquid condition, perhaps when tracer signal occurs, ink becomes liquid condition, thereby can be used, because foregoing ink jet recording method designs usually by this way, the temperature of ink is controlled in 30 ℃ or slightly a bit high and 70 ℃ or the more lower slightly scope, makes ink maintain viscosity in stable scope of spraying.

In addition, the ink of following type also is applicable among the present invention: when tracer signal occurs, heating source responds this signal, heat, thereby ink is liquefied, so liquid ink can be injected, and aforesaid example ink inside is illustrational, by utilizing energy state, pro prevent because the rising of the ink temperature that heat supply causes by solid-state change to liquid state.When needs reach the purpose that prevents evaporation of ink, make ink by curing.In addition, in the present invention, it also is operable that the ink that at first liquefies behind the heating source is provided.In these cases, ink can be solid-state or liquid material in being placed on a porous thin slice groove, or in through hole, the position of placement faces electrothermal transducer, disclosed in Japanese patent application publication No. 54-56847 or Japanese patent application publication No. 60-71260.Best ink mode still adopts the said film boiling method in front.

S' the form of the duplicating machine that combines with a reader or like by the pen recorder of the invention of being introduced, or have the facsimile unit of emission/receiving function, and be to be used as the integrated form of visual outlet terminal equipment of signal conditioning package of all word processor as the aforementioned or computing machine or discrete device.

Though each above-mentioned embodiment has such setting, promptly pictorial data (its size is corresponding with the single pass operation) is repeated, and the present invention is not limited to this.With the structure of above-mentioned each embodiment, can need the image of repeatedly scanning to carry out visual re-treatment like this with being similar to geometric figure.Yet the 5th kind of embodiment must make the pictorial data from principal computer repeatedly to transmit.

This invention goes for the system that is made up of multiple arrangement, or includes only the system of a device.The situation of carrying out program of the present invention that provides certainly is provided in the present invention.

The the 3rd to the 5th kind of embodiment can be used to be similar to the printing that first kind of embodiment carries out.

As mentioned above, according to this invention, Device for supplying image have in order to indicate pattern, size, record position, with second pictorial data such as relevant colors such as sign marks.On the other hand, the control device of image autput device has second control device, be used for receive specifying, and the operation of controlling recording second pictorial data, second control device is to be independent of the first control device that is used for the controlling recording operation of pictorial data for the first time.That is to say that because second pictorial data and first pictorial data are separate control, therefore second pictorial data can be inserted by operator's hope in a repetition period, and no matter the repetition period of first image and the type of repeat patterns.In addition, second pictorial data is inserted into the zone of an appointment, and before first image is transmitted to head, makes this zone become blank at once, that is to say, after a required image processing is finished, makes it to become at once blank.Therefore, second pictorial data is not subjected to the influence of various conversions, prints by needed (for example, clearly) like that.

As top said,, can also obtain the effect that geometry multiimage data can be exported effectively according to the present invention.

Furtherly, only need little memory span just can carry out jumbo pictorial data output.In addition, the needed pictorial data of being carried out by the external unit that produces pictorial data is handled and also is reduced.

In addition, thus making the visual repeat function that is used to repeat same image improve according to the image processing system of this invention has variation characteristic.

Though this invention is described with its preferred versions on certain degree, but be understood that especially, can be under the prerequisite of not leaving follow-up desired spirit and scope of the invention with these preferred versions, the change of making various CONSTRUCTED SPECIFICATION, each several part combination and the aspect being set.

Claims

1. an image autput device is used to receive the pictorial data that provides from an external unit, and to export this pictorial data, described image autput device comprises:

Storing apparatus (505,717) is used to store the pictorial data that this external unit provides;

Specified device (830 to 839), be used to specify one of a plurality of output formats, repeatedly a basic image is arranged in a plurality of position of image, wherein basic image is represented by the pictorial data that is stored in the described storing apparatus, and for the adjacent position of image in a kind of output format, the output parameter of the pictorial data of described storage is different mutually; And

Control device (8,713) repeats to export the pictorial data that is stored in the described storing apparatus according to the described output format of described specified device appointment.

2. according to the image autput device of claim 1, wherein said control device is repeatedly exported the pictorial data that comprises the rotated image data according to output format.

3. according to the image autput device of claim 1, the form that wherein said specified device (830 to 836) is specified amount of movement and is stored in the pictorial data in the described storing apparatus under the situation that repeats output image data, described control device repeats the output image data position of mobile pictorial data simultaneously according to output format and amount of movement.

4. image output method is used to receive pictorial data that external unit provides with output image data, and described image output method may further comprise the steps:

Import the pictorial data that this external unit provides, and store this pictorial data;

Specify one of a plurality of output formats, repeatedly a basic image is arranged in a plurality of position of image, wherein basic image is represented by the pictorial data of storage, and for the adjacent position of image in a kind of output format, the output parameter of the pictorial data of described storage is different mutually; And

Repeat to export the pictorial data of storage according to this output format.

5. according to the image output method of claim 4, wherein make a kind of inkjet printing product, and in described output step according to specified output format, the pictorial data of storage is output to an ink gun, and the China ink be provided to recording medium by ink gun.

6. according to the image output method of claim 5, wherein recording medium is a cloth.

7. according to the image output method of claim 5, further be included in by China ink being offered after described recording medium carried out printing, China ink is fixed to step on the described recording medium.

8. according to the image output method of claim 7, further be included in the step of cleaning the recording medium that records image after the described black fixing step.

9. according to the image output method of claim 5, further be included in, pretreating agent infiltrated the pre-treatment step of recording medium by before writing down from ink gun ejection China ink.

10. according to the image output method of claim 5, wherein said ink gun is the printhead that utilizes the heat energy ink-jet, and described ink gun has the thermal power transfer parts that are used to produce the heat energy that offers China ink.

11. according to the image output method of claim 10, wherein ink gun makes the state of China ink change by the heat energy that is provided by the thermal power transfer parts, with by the change of described state through going out the head piece ink-jet.

12. by the record product of making according to the described method of claim 5.